The Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat (SAACS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has completed Saint Lucia’s fifth round of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), a standardized survey developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and conducted every five years in participating countries worldwide. The 2025 survey was implemented across all secondary schools in Saint Lucia, including both public and private institutions. The GYTS globally targets students in Grades 8 to 10, and all students within these grade levels during the last academic year were eligible to participate.
In March 2026, SAACS received the official results from the WHO. Since then, the organization has undertaken a comprehensive review of the datasets and data summaries provided. A subsequent meeting of the Technical Advisory Group was convened to conduct a final review and validation of the findings. The Secretariat is now entering the critical phase of data dissemination and action planning. In the coming weeks, SAACS will engage a range of key stakeholders to present the findings and outline the strategic next steps to address emerging trends identified in the survey.
Among the key areas of concern highlighted in the 2025 findings is a notable increase in the use of new and emerging nicotine delivery systems, particularly electronic methods such as vaping devices. The data revealed a significant spike in the use of electronic cigarettes and related products among students within the targeted age group. Additionally, the survey findings indicate increased exposure of students to tobacco smoke and secondhand smoke in public spaces. These trends are of particular concern, given the well-documented health risks associated with nicotine addiction and secondhand smoke exposure, especially among adolescents.
The Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat notes that these findings will play a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening national programming, policy advocacy, and prevention initiatives going forward. Evidence-based action will guide the development of targeted interventions aimed at reducing youth access to and use of tobacco and nicotine products, while also reinforcing public education and enforcement efforts related to smoke-free environments.
The Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat extends its appreciation to the Ministry of Education, school administrators, teachers, students, and all partners who supported the successful implementation of the survey.
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