“We must act now to prevent our young people from becoming the next generation of smokers.” — Minister Anthony

The Ministry of Health’s Non-Communicable Diseases Programme hosted a Training of Trainers on Tobacco Cessation Continuing Medical Education (CME) session on Saturday at Parc Rayne, Georgetown.

The session brought together health professionals from across the country, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to strengthen tobacco cessation services within the public health system.

In delivering the feature address, Honourable Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, underscored the urgent need to reduce tobacco use and its impact on chronic non- communicable diseases (NCDs) nationwide.

 “We must act now to prevent our young people from becoming the next generation of smokers. If tobacco companies are allowed to entice young people before the age of 18, we risk creating lifelong smokers. This is why education, legislation, and clinical support must all work together,” he said.

Minister Anthony reflected on Guyana’s progress since joining the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and enacting national tobacco legislation in 2017, which restricts sales, marketing, and public smoking. He further emphasised that the Ministry is scaling up tobacco cessation clinics, now operating in 11 locations across Regions Three and Four, with plans to expand to all regions.

The Minister also noted that through initiatives such as nicotine replacement therapy and public education, the Ministry aims to make cessation support accessible at the primary care level.

“Tobacco use remains one of the leading risk factors for cancers, heart disease, and respiratory illness, if we can prevent people from starting, and help others to quit, we can save lives and reduce the burden of chronic diseases in Guyana,” Dr Anthony emphasised.

This training forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen capacity within the health sector to address lifestyle-related diseases and promote healthy living.

Among those present at the training were

Dr. Daniele Drepaul, Coordinator, Chronic Disease Unit and Mental Health Programme; Dr. Natasha Sobers, Officer in Charge, PAHO/WHO Guyana; Dr. Shelieza Gopie, Technical Officer for Tobacco Control, Dr. Vasant Basdeo, International PAHO Consultant and Tobacco Cessation Specialist.

Honourable Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony giving feature address

Medical officials engage in CME