SWITZERLAND—The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a comprehensive set of tobacco cessation interventions, including behavioral support delivered by health-care providers, digital cessation interventions, and pharmacological treatments, in its first guideline on tobacco cessation.
This landmark guideline focuses on helping more than 750 million tobacco users who want to quit all forms of tobacco.
The recommendations are relevant for all adults seeking to quit various tobacco products, including cigarettes, waterpipes, smokeless tobacco products, cigars, roll-your-own tobacco, and heated tobacco products (HTPs).
According to Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, this guideline marks a crucial milestone in our global battle against these dangerous products.
He emphasized, “It empowers countries with the essential tools to effectively support individuals in quitting tobacco and alleviate the global burden of tobacco-related diseases.”
Furthermore, Dr. Rüdiger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at WHO, highlighted the immense struggle that people face when trying to quit smoking.
He stressed the need to deeply appreciate the strength it takes and the suffering endured by individuals and their loved ones to overcome this addiction.
Dr. Krech added, “These guidelines are designed to help communities and governments provide the best possible support and assistance for those on this challenging journey.”.
Notably, over 60% of the world’s 1.25 billion tobacco users – more than 750 million people – wish to quit, yet 70% lack access to effective cessation services.
This significant gap exists due to challenges faced by health systems, including resource limitations.
It is well-documented that combining pharmacotherapy with behavioral interventions significantly increases quitting success rates.
Therefore, countries are encouraged to provide these treatments at no or reduced cost to improve accessibility, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
In terms of pharmacological treatments, WHO recommends varenicline, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), bupropion, and cytisine as effective options for tobacco cessation.
WHO initiated a prequalification procedure for medicinal products against disorders caused by tobacco use in 2023. Subsequently, in April 2024, Kenvue’s nicotine gum and patch became the first WHO-prequalified NRT products.
Behavioral interventions are also a key component of the guideline. WHO recommends brief health worker counseling, lasting between 30 seconds to 3 minutes, offered routinely in health-care settings.
Additionally, interested users should have access to more intensive behavioral support, such as individual, group, or phone counseling.
Digital interventions, including text messaging, smartphone apps, and internet programs, can also serve as adjuncts or self-management tools.
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