The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a comprehensive set of tobacco cessation interventions, including behavioural support delivered by health-care providers, digital cessation interventions and pharmacological treatments in a first guideline on tobacco cessation.
The guideline focuses on helping the 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).
“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 alleviate the global burden of tobacco-related diseases.”
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 gap exists due to challenges faced by health systems, including resource limitations.
“The immense struggle that people face when trying to quit smoking cannot be overstated. We need to deeply appreciate the strength it takes and the suffering endured by individuals and their loved ones to overcome this addiction,” said Dr Rüdiger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at WHO. ”These guidelines are designed to help communities and governments provide the best possible support and assistance for those on this challenging journey.”
Effective therapies for quitting tobacco
Combining pharmacotherapy with behavioural interventions significantly increases quitting success rates. Countries are encouraged to provide these treatments at no or reduced cost to improve accessibility, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
WHO recommends varenicline, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), bupropion, and cytisine as effective treatments for tobacco cessation.
In 2023, WHO initiated a prequalification procedure for medicinal products against disorders caused by tobacco use to improve global access to recommended tobacco cessation medications. In April 2024, Kenvue’s nicotine gum and patch became the first WHO-prequalified NRT products.
WHO recommends behavioural interventions, including brief health worker counselling (30 seconds to 3 minutes) offered routinely in health-care settings, alongside more intensive behavioural support (individual, group, or phone counselling) for interested users. Additionally, digital interventions such as text messaging, smartphone apps, and internet programmes can be used as adjuncts or self-management tools.
WHO encourages health-care providers, policy-makers, and stakeholders to adopt and implement this guideline to promote tobacco cessation and improve the health of millions of people in need worldwide.
Latest Stories
-
Mahama is not one for flamboyance – Felix Ofosu Kwakye
30 minutes -
#GPL: Hearts pip Heart of Lions to win first match in three
2 hours -
James Gunu prioritizes resolving water crisis in Volta Region as he assumes official duty on Monday
2 hours -
Jobberman Ghana launches ‘Gye Wo Two Promo: Twice the Talent’ campaign
2 hours -
Prof Kwesi Yankah: Silent majority won the polls
2 hours -
Bridging the Gap: The case for equitable and efficient education funding
2 hours -
Abigail Naki Gabor vies for Agotime-Ziope DCE position, promises development
2 hours -
Ablakwa provides details of Afenyo-Markin’s Winneba land
3 hours -
Wisdom Seade advocates for infrastructure development after vetting for Keta MCE position
3 hours -
4th Philanthropy New Year School 2025: Empowering NGOs and civil society for greater Impact
3 hours -
UG Vice-Chancellor reaffirms commitment to addressing accommodation challenges as she commissions 1.2K Diamond Jubilee Hall
3 hours -
Newsfile to discuss clashes in Parliament, abrupt acquittals & threats against Erastus
3 hours -
Republic Bank opens first branch in Ho
3 hours -
Greatest Band hints at releasing new EP
3 hours -
Florence Mensah Foundation empowers 1,000 girls through Menstrual Health Initiative in Keta Kedzi
3 hours