THE Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA) says it is prepared to work with national stakeholders and community groups to tackle alcoholism and mental health challenges, as the World Health Organization (WHO) urges governments to use stronger taxes and regulations to curb harmful consumption of alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages.

In a statement referencing a WHO warning issued on January 13, 2026, the ERHA noted that the global health body has linked the growing affordability of these products to rising non-communicable diseases, injuries and mental health challenges worldwide.

The WHO called for strengthened fiscal and regulatory measures—particularly health taxes—to reduce harmful consumption and protect population wellbeing.

The ERHA said the guidance aligns with recent alcohol tax measures introduced by the administration of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, which are aimed at reducing excessive alcohol use while supporting public health priorities. The authority pointed to international evidence indicating that higher alcohol prices can lower harmful consumption—especially among young people and heavy users—while generating funding for health and social services.

At the service-delivery level, the ERHA said it plans to expand its mental health staffing over the next year to strengthen clinical care, early intervention and community-based support across the region.

The authority also commended its primary and secondary care teams for providing frontline mental health and substance-use interventions throughout the ERHA, saying their work forms the foundation for further improvements planned in the coming year.

ERHA said the combination of taxation, regulation and expanded mental health capacity reflects a coordinated, prevention-focused approach to improving long-term population health outcomes in Trinidad and Tobago.