WHO Releases Comprehensive Guidelines to Help 750 Million Tobacco Users Quit

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

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first guideline on tobacco cessation, presenting a comprehensive set of interventions including behavioural support, digital cessation tools, and pharmacological treatments. The guideline aims to assist over 750 million tobacco users who wish to quit various forms of tobacco, such as cigarettes, waterpipes, smokeless tobacco, 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.”

Despite the desire of more than 60% of the world's 1.25 billion tobacco users to quit, 70% lack access to effective cessation services due to health system challenges and 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.”

The WHO guideline emphasizes the importance of combining pharmacotherapy with behavioural interventions to significantly increase quitting success rates. To improve accessibility, especially in low- and middle-income countries, WHO encourages these treatments to be offered at no or reduced cost. Recommended treatments for tobacco cessation include varenicline, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), bupropion, and cytisine.

In 2023, WHO initiated a prequalification procedure for medicinal products to treat tobacco use disorders, enhancing global access to recommended medications. By April 2024, Kenvue’s nicotine gum and patch became the first WHO-prequalified NRT products.

WHO also highlights the effectiveness of behavioural interventions, such as brief health worker counselling (lasting 30 seconds to 3 minutes) provided routinely in healthcare settings. For users seeking more intensive support, individual, group, or phone counselling is recommended. Digital interventions, including text messaging, smartphone apps, and internet programs, can serve as adjuncts or self-management tools.

WHO calls on healthcare providers, policy-makers, and stakeholders to adopt and implement these guidelines to promote tobacco cessation and improve the health of millions of people worldwide.