Strengthening Tobacco Control: Guyana completes the Global Youth Tobacco Survey

Georgetown, Guyana, 3 October 2025 - In a collaborative effort to combat youth tobacco use, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Guyana Country Office, alongside the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, has launched the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) in schools across Guyana. This initiative marks a significant step in Guyana's commitment to strengthening tobacco control policies and aligning with the WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

The GYTS is a nationally representative, school-based survey designed to collect data on tobacco use among adolescents aged 13 to 15 years. It supports the WHO's MPOWER package, six evidence-based strategies aimed at reducing tobacco demand globally. The survey provides critical insights into smoking habits, exposure to secondhand smoke, media influence, accessibility of tobacco products, and students' knowledge and attitudes toward tobacco.

The Chronic Disease Unit of the Ministry of Health, led by survey coordinator Dr. Sheleiza Gopie, organized and administered questionnaires across the country. The study included schools in urban, rural areas. Reflecting a broader national strategy to reach diverse communities across Guyana. In total, the GYTS was conducted in 25 schools across the nine Administrative Regions and reached over 2000 students.

The survey, comprising 78 questions, was administered anonymously using scannable bubble sheets to ensure confidentiality. Students completed the survey within 45 to 60 minutes, and senior teachers completed a seven-question School Policy questionnaire to assess institutional policies on tobacco use among staff and students.

The information gathered will be critical in supporting the Ministry of Health to develop policies and programs to reduce the use of tobacco and related products. The last survey was conducted in 2015. Importantly, PAHO/WHO will continue to support the Ministries of Health and Education in the implementation of GYTS data collection, ensuring consistency, quality, and comparability of results over time. PAHO/WHO has committed to supporting its implementation every four to five years.

By engaging directly with students and educators, Guyana is taking a proactive stance in protecting future generations from the harms of tobacco. The GYTS seeks to gather information to strengthen public health strategies in Guyana.