KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica has announced its support of an updated strategy to accelerate action to meet targets of Tobacco Control in the Region of the Americas.

In a release from the Ministry of Health on Thursday, it was highlighted that the country will endorse the updated strategy while “championing the need for a robust public education campaign to support implementation efforts.”

“Jamaica wishes to reconfirm our unwavering commitment to achieving these targets and thanks PAHO [Pan-American Health Organization] for their continued leadership and technical support in advancing tobacco control in Jamaica,” Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton noted in his address at the 61st Pan-American Health Organization Directing Council in Washington DC on Thursday.

The minister is leading the Jamaica delegation, which includes Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, at the meeting.

“We are concerned about the slow progress of member states in making environments completely smoke-free, which requires further assessment to close this gap. Of significant concern to Jamaica is the use of e-cigarettes and vaping among children, adolescents, and young adults, along with the general use of cannabis and the proliferation of hookah bars. The regulation of e-cigarettes is a significant step that will address this concern,” Dr Tufton shared.

At the same time, the minister said it will be necessary to have an accompanying public education campaign to assist in debunking myths around the use of hookahs and e-cigarettes.

“We should also ensure that the Tobacco Control response is integrated into the NCD response,” he said, explaining that in the case of Jamaica, the existing Tobacco Control Regulations of 2013 reflects protection from exposure to tobacco smoke; regulation of tobacco product disclosures; and packaging and labelling of tobacco products.

According to Tufton, Jamaica is also promulgating a new legislation which will include the regulation of the interactions of Government officials with the tobacco industry; testing and measurement of the contents and emissions of tobacco products; promotion of communication and public awareness of tobacco control issues and the health risks of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.

“Jamaica remains committed to reducing mortality and morbidity from tobacco use and aims to leave no one behind,” said the minister.