“We cannot allow the next generation to inherit health crises of this one” – Health Minister

– as Health Ministry expands tobacco cessation clinics nationwide

The Ministry of Health is intensifying its campaign against tobacco use by expanding tobacco cessation clinics across Guyana, a move aimed at reducing the health burden caused by smoking and other tobacco-related diseases.
According to Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, the Ministry currently operates 11 cessation clinics in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica), with plans in motion to extend the service to all regions within the coming year. These clinics provide vital support for individuals seeking to quit smoking through nicotine replacement therapy, counselling, and structured cessation programmes. Dr Anthony made these remarks while delivering the feature address at a Training of Trainers session on Tobacco Cessation Continuing Medical Education (CME), hosted by the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Programme of the Ministry on Saturday at Parc Rayne, Georgetown.
The session brought together health professionals from across Guyana, who were trained in techniques to enhance tobacco cessation services within the public health system. Participants included Dr Daniele Drepaul, Coordinator of the Chronic Disease and Mental Health Programmes; Dr Natasha Sobers, Officer-in-Charge of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO)/World Health Organisation (WHO) Guyana; Dr Shelieza Gopie, Technical Officer for Tobacco Control; and Dr Vasant Basdeo, International PAHO Consultant and Tobacco Cessation Specialist.
The initiative is part of the Ministry’s broader goal to strengthen capacity across all levels of healthcare to tackle lifestyle-related diseases and promote healthy living.
Safeguarding the next generation
Minister Anthony issued a firm warning about the dangers of youth exposure to tobacco marketing, emphasising that preventive action must start early. “We must act now to prevent our young people from becoming the next generation of smokers,” Dr Anthony stressed. “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 pointed to the aggressive marketing tactics used by tobacco companies globally, noting that adolescents remain among the most vulnerable targets. “The goal is clear,” he said. “We cannot allow the next generation to inherit the health crises of this one.” Reflecting on Guyana’s progress in tobacco control, Dr Anthony highlighted the country’s commitment since joining the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and the enactment of the Tobacco Control Act in 2017. The legislation places strict restrictions on tobacco sales, marketing, and public smoking, representing a major milestone in protecting public health. “Guyana has made significant strides,” the Minister said, “but continued vigilance and sustained investment in prevention and cessation are crucial to saving lives.”
Tobacco use remains one of the leading contributors to cancers, heart disease, and chronic respiratory illnesses in Guyana. The Health Minister stressed that effective cessation interventions can drastically reduce the country’s long-term healthcare costs and improve national health outcomes. He added that with nicotine replacement therapy, targeted outreach, and stronger primary care integration, the Government is ensuring that cessation support becomes easily accessible, especially in rural and hinterland areas.