The Ministry of Health and Mass Media has launched a new training programme aimed at reducing tobacco use and helping users quit. The initiative focuses on the “Brief Intervention” psychological approach, which enables healthcare workers to deliver short counselling sessions that encourage behavioural change. Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Unit, Dr Sreeni Alahapperuma, leads the programme.
Health Workers Trained in Brief Psychological Intervention Techniques.
The programme trains Medical Officers of Health, Health Education Officers, Public Health Inspectors, and Public Health Midwives. Participants learn how to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco within a few minutes and motivate individuals to reduce or quit the habit. Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Prabath Wickrama serves as the main resource person for the training sessions.
Two Workshops Scheduled in Colombo and Piliyandala.
The first workshop will take place on June 15 at the Colombo District Director of Health Services Office auditorium. The second session is scheduled for June 16 at the Piliyandala Medical Officer of Health Office auditorium. The programme is jointly organised by the Non-Communicable Diseases Unit, the College of Psychiatrists of Sri Lanka, the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC), and the Colombo District Health Services Office.
