During the 2024–2025 biennium, PAHO played a pivotal role in strengthening Guyana’s national response to tobacco use by expanding access to evidence based cessation services and reinforcing the health system’s capacity to address tobacco use as a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases.

PAHO provided targeted technical cooperation to the Ministry of Health to scale up tobacco cessation capacity nationwide, with a focus on sustainability, service integration, and access to health services. A core component of this effort was the implementation of a Training of Trainers program that equipped 27 participants from across the country to deliver standardized tobacco cessation training and supported the establishment of tobacco cessation clinics in all regions. Additionally, more than 80 health workers were trained in tobacco cessation and the science of addiction, strengthening frontline capacity to deliver brief interventions and cessation support across levels of care.

By decentralizing cessation services and building capacity at the primary and regional levels, this achievement directly addresses geographic and service related barriers to care. The expansion of trained providers and dedicated clinics improves the availability and continuity of support for individuals seeking to quit tobacco use, including populations and groups in situations of vulnerability who experience a disproportionate burden of tobacco related harm.

Complementing service delivery gains, PAHO also supported the Ministry of Health in strengthening the national evidence base through completion of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey 2025. Conducted in 25 schools and completed by 1761 adolescents, the survey generated critical data to inform tobacco control policies, prevention strategies, and future investments. Initial findings are expected to be shared with national authorities during the first half of 2026.

Photo caption: Student participating in the GYTS survey

Credit: PAHO Guyana