WHO releases clinical guidelines for tobacco cessation

On July 2, 2024, the World Health Organization published the first-ever clinical treatment guidelines for tobacco cessation in adults. The 76-page document outlines multiple evidence-based strategies that support tobacco cessation in adults.

According to the press release, these guidelines will act as a critical tool for adults looking to quit all forms of tobacco, including but not limited to cigarettes, waterpipes, smokeless tobacco products, cigars, roll-your-own tobacco, and heated tobacco products.

“This guideline marks a crucial milestone in our global battle against these dangerous products," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, PhD, WHO Director-General, in the press release. "It empowers countries with the essential tools to effectively support individuals in quitting tobacco and alleviate the global burden of tobacco-related diseases.”

According to the American Cancer Society, smoking tobacco reduces life span by roughly a decade, impacting nearly every bodily organ. Smoking tobacco has been linked to multiple detrimental health conditions, including cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.

The adverse health effects of tobacco suggest that strategies for cessation are vital to human health.

In the guidelines, the WHO offers recommendations for behavioral support in clinical and community settings, digital tobacco cessation interventions, pharmacological interventions in clinical and community settings, interventions for smokeless tobacco cessation, combined behavioral and pharmacological treatments, traditional or alternative therapies, and system-level interventions and policies.

The WHO estimates that there are roughly 1.25 billion tobacco users globally, and approximately 60%, or 750 million individuals, would like to quit. However, approximately 70% of users who wish to quit do not have access to cessation services.

“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, DrPH, 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.”