Guyana restricts vaping to protect youth health

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has moved to restrict the use and importation of vaping products in Guyana. Ministry of Health officials have expressed support for the decision, citing the need to protect adolescents from harmful substances and nicotine addiction.

Dr Ertenisa Hamilton, Director of Primary Healthcare Services, noted that school screening programs identified vaping as a growing concern among young people. The Ministry of Health is currently developing a substance use strategy focused on education, health promotion, and parental guidance to prevent adolescent access to harmful substances.

Dr Lachmie Lall, Director of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health, highlighted the respiratory risks and the presence of heavy metals, such as lead, in vaping products. While the ban targets vapes, some public discourse has raised concerns regarding the continued availability of cigarettes and the potential for nicotine-addicted youth to switch to tobacco products.