The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its inaugural clinical treatment guideline aimed at supporting adults in quitting tobacco use, marking a significant advancement in global efforts to combat tobacco-related diseases.
The guideline advocates for a comprehensive approach to tobacco cessation, encompassing behavioural support provided by healthcare professionals, digital cessation interventions, and pharmacological treatments. These recommendations are tailored to assist the vast number of tobacco users worldwide—over 750 million—who desire to quit various forms of tobacco, including cigarettes, waterpipes, smokeless tobacco, cigars, roll-your-own tobacco, and heated tobacco products (HTPs).
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, underscored the guideline’s importance, stating, “This guideline marks a crucial milestone in our global battle against these dangerous products.” He emphasized its potential to equip countries with essential tools to effectively aid individuals in quitting tobacco and mitigate the widespread impact of tobacco-related illnesses.
Despite the strong desire to quit among tobacco users, approximately 70% lack access to effective cessation services due to systemic challenges and resource limitations within health systems worldwide.
Dr Rüdiger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at WHO, highlighted the immense difficulty individuals face when attempting to quit smoking and stressed the guidelines’ role in providing optimal support and assistance. These guidelines are designed not only to support individuals but also to guide communities and governments in offering robust cessation services.
The guideline advocates for the combination of pharmacotherapy and behavioural interventions, significantly enhancing the success rates of tobacco cessation efforts. Recommended pharmacological treatments include varenicline, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), bupropion, and cytisine. WHO urges countries to make these treatments accessible at little or no cost, especially in low- and middle-income countries where accessibility remains a challenge.
Furthermore, WHO encourages the integration of behavioural interventions into routine healthcare settings, such as brief counselling sessions and more intensive support options like individual or group counselling. Digital interventions, including smartphone apps and internet programs, are also recommended as adjuncts or self-management tools in tobacco cessation efforts.
In line with these efforts, WHO has initiated a prequalification process for medicinal products aimed at combating tobacco-related disorders, aiming to enhance global access to recommended cessation medications. Recently, Kenvue’s nicotine gum and patch became the first WHO-prequalified NRT products in April 2024, signaling a step forward in improving global availability.
WHO calls upon healthcare providers, policymakers, and stakeholders worldwide to adopt and implement these guidelines diligently. By doing so, they can contribute significantly to promoting tobacco cessation and improving the health outcomes of millions of people globally who seek to break free from tobacco addiction.
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