This recommendations It is expected to benefit more than 750 million adults who want to quit all forms of tobacco use, including cigarettes, hookahs, smokeless tobacco products, cigars, rolling tobacco and heated tobacco products.
“This directive marks a crucial milestone in our global fight against these dangerous products,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General.
“It provides countries with the essential tools to effectively support people to quit smoking and reduce the global burden of tobacco-related diseases,” he added.
Challenges of quitting
While 750 million tobacco users – 60 percent of the world’s 1.25 billion tobacco users – want to quit smoking, the vast majority do not have access to services that can help them do so due to limited resources and other challenges in the health care system.
Rüdiger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at WHO, stressed that the difficulties people face in quitting smoking should not be exaggerated.
“We must deeply realize how much strength it takes and how much suffering individuals and their loved ones have to endure to overcome this addiction,” said Dr. Krech. “These guidelines are intended to help communities and governments provide the best possible support and assistance to those making this challenging journey.”
Treatment options
The WHO has described in its guidelines a combination of pharmacotherapy and behavioral interventions that can significantly increase the chance of success in smoking cessation.
It encouraged countries to offer these treatments free or at a reduced rate to improve access, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Treatments include medications such as varenicline, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion, and cytisine.
For behavioral interventions, WHO suggested short counseling sessions with a health worker – lasting 30 seconds to 3 minutes – in a health care setting.
More intensive care options include individual, group, or telephone counseling sessions.
“In addition, digital interventions such as text messages, smartphone apps and web-based programs can be used as supplements or self-management tools,” the WHO said.
