The survey, conducted among students in Grades 8 to 10 across Saint Lucia’s secondary schools, revealed a concerning increase in the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition, through the Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat (SAACS), joins the global community in observing World No Tobacco Day on May 31, 2026, under a renewed national call to protect citizens, particularly young people, from the harmful effects of tobacco and emerging nicotine products. This year’s observance comes at a critical time as Saint Lucia intensifies efforts to address the growing use of electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and heated tobacco products among youth. Guided by findings from the recently conducted 2025 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), the Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat is rolling out a comprehensive public education and awareness campaign aimed at “Unmasking the Appeal” of tobacco and nicotine products.
The survey, conducted among students in Grades 8 to 10 across Saint Lucia’s secondary schools, revealed a concerning increase in the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems, despite a decline in traditional cigarette smoking among adolescents. The findings also highlighted continued exposure of young people to secondhand smoke within homes and communities. According to the Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat, these findings underscore the urgent need for a whole-of-society approach to tobacco prevention and education. “The tobacco industry continues to evolve its tactics by targeting young people with colourful packaging, attractive flavours, and misleading marketing strategies designed to make these products appear harmless,” the Secretariat stated. “Our mission is to expose the truth about tobacco and nicotine products and empower our citizens, especially our youth, to make informed and healthy decisions.”
As part of the national observance, SAACS will implement a series of activities and public engagement initiatives throughout the island. These include:
l Targeted social media campaigns geared toward youth audiences
l Television and radio public service announcements
l Educational outreach in schools and workplaces
l Billboard campaigns highlighting the dangers of tobacco use and secondhand smoke
l Peer-to-peer youth advocacy programmes within schools
l Community engagement activities involving parents, teachers, principals, PTAs, environmental groups, and community councils
A key component of the campaign will focus on empowering young people to become ambassadors against tobacco use by using creative approaches such as posters, jingles, peer discussions, and youth-led awareness activities.
The Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat is also reminding the public of the Public Health Amendment Regulations, which prohibit smoking in public spaces and require designated smoking areas at public gatherings and establishments. SAACS continues to receive reports of violations and is urging businesses, event organizers, and citizens to comply with the regulations to protect non-smokers from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
Health officials emphasize that there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke, and that secondhand smoke significantly increases the risk of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and chronic conditions, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In addition to the health impact, the campaign will also highlight the environmental consequences of tobacco waste, including cigarette butts and disposable vaping products, which contribute to pollution and threaten marine ecosystems and wildlife.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition is encouraging all Saint Lucians to play an active role in tobacco prevention by sharing educational messages, participating in awareness activities, and supporting efforts to create healthier smoke-free environments. Members of the public, schools, workplaces, and community groups interested in hosting educational sessions or partnering with the campaign are encouraged to contact the Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat through the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition.