WHO unveils first-ever tobacco cessation guidelines to help 750 million quit
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NEW YORK, July 3: The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first guideline on tobacco cessation, recommending a comprehensive set of interventions to help over 750 million tobacco users quit. The guideline includes behavioral support from healthcare providers, digital cessation interventions, and pharmacological treatments.
This new guideline targets all adults seeking to quit various tobacco products, such as cigarettes, waterpipes, smokeless tobacco, cigars, roll-your-own tobacco, and heated tobacco products (HTPs).
“This guideline marks a crucial milestone in our global battle against these dangerous products,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “It empowers countries with the essential tools to effectively support individuals in quitting tobacco and alleviating the global burden of tobacco-related diseases.”
Despite 60% of the world’s 1.25 billion tobacco users wanting to quit, 70% lack access to effective cessation services due to health system challenges and resource limitations.
“The immense struggle that people face when trying to quit smoking cannot be overstated,” said Dr. Rüdiger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at WHO. “We need to deeply appreciate the strength it takes and the suffering endured by individuals and their loved ones to overcome this addiction. These guidelines are designed to help communities and governments provide the best possible support and assistance for those on this challenging journey.”
The WHO emphasizes that combining pharmacotherapy with behavioral interventions significantly increases the chances of quitting successfully. Countries are encouraged to offer these treatments at low or no cost, especially in low- and middle-income regions.
Effective treatments recommended by WHO include varenicline, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), bupropion, and cytisine. To improve global access to these medications, WHO initiated a prequalification procedure for medicinal products against disorders caused by tobacco use in 2023. In April 2024, Kenvue’s nicotine gum and patch became the first WHO-prequalified NRT products.
Behavioral interventions recommended by WHO include brief health worker counseling (30 seconds to 3 minutes) routinely offered in healthcare settings, alongside more intensive behavioral support (individual, group, or phone counselling) for interested users. Digital interventions like text messaging, smartphone apps, and internet programs can also be used as adjuncts or self-management tools.
WHO urges healthcare providers, policymakers, and stakeholders to adopt and implement these guidelines to promote tobacco cessation and improve the health of millions of people worldwide.
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