The Ministry of Health is stepping up efforts to combat substance misuse among young people after a recent survey found alarmingly high rates of alcohol consumption and vaping among secondary school students, prompting renewed calls for prevention, early intervention and stronger treatment services.

Speaking at Guyana’s observance of the International Day Against Illicit Trafficking and Drug Abuse at the ministry’s Brickdam headquarters on Friday, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony said addressing youth substance misuse requires a coordinated national response involving government agencies, schools, parents and communities.

While acknowledging the work of enforcement agencies, including the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), Dr. Anthony said enforcement alone will not solve the growing problem.