WHO releases first-ever clinical guidelines for quitting tobacco

The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled its first set of clinical treatment guidelines aimed at helping individuals quit tobacco.

This groundbreaking initiative targets the more than 750 million tobacco users worldwide who are seeking to overcome their addiction.

In its official statement, the United Nations Health Organization emphasized that the new guidelines offer a comprehensive range of tobacco cessation strategies. These include behavioral support provided by healthcare professionals, tailored to assist users in quitting various tobacco products such as cigarettes, waterpipes, smokeless tobacco, cigars, roll-your-own tobacco, and heated tobacco products (HTPs).

WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, hailed the guidelines as a significant step forward in the global fight against tobacco. “These guidelines equip countries with vital tools to effectively support individuals in quitting tobacco, thereby reducing the global burden of tobacco-related diseases,” he said.

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The WHO highlighted that although over 60 percent of the world’s 1.25 billion tobacco users want to quit, 70 percent lack access to effective cessation services. This shortfall is primarily due to challenges faced by health systems, including limited resources.

Dr. Rüdiger Krech, WHO’s Director of Health Promotion, underscored the immense difficulty individuals face when attempting to quit smoking. “We must recognize the immense strength it takes to overcome this addiction and the suffering endured by individuals and their loved ones,” he said. “These guidelines are designed to help communities and governments provide the best possible support for those on this challenging journey.”

The WHO also pointed out that combining pharmacotherapy with behavioral interventions significantly enhances the chances of quitting successfully. By integrating these evidence-based approaches, the new guidelines aim to provide comprehensive support for those committed to quitting tobacco.