WHO Releases First-Ever Clinical Treatment Guideline To Help People Quit Tobacco

The WHO guideline aims to help over 750 mn tobacco users who wish to quit cigarettes, waterpipes, cigars, heated tobacco products (HTPs), or other such substances

The guideline marks a crucial milestone in our global battle against these dangerous products, said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Over 60% of the world's 1.25 bn tobacco users want to quit, but 70% of them lack access to effective cessation services

WHO says health systems face significant challenges, including resource limitations, in providing necessary support

Combining pharmacotherapy with behavioural interventions significantly increases quitting success rates, say experts

WHO recommends varenicline, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), bupropion, and cytisine as effective treatments

In April 2024, Kenvue’s nicotine gum and patch became the first WHO-prequalified NRT products

The WHO guidelines include: 1. Brief health worker counselling (30 seconds to 3 minutes), offered routinely in health-care settings

2. More intensive behavioural support (individual, group, or phone counselling) for interested users

3. Digital interventions such as text messaging, smartphone apps, and internet programmes can be used as adjuncts or self-management tools

WHO encourages countries to offer treatments at no or reduced cost to improve accessibility. Photos: Canva & AI