WHO Releases 2024 Smoking Cessation Guidelines: A Milestone in Global Tobacco Control

Today marks a significant milestone in the global fight against tobacco use. The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first-ever clinical treatment guideline for tobacco cessation in adults. As members of the Tobacco Expert Group, my colleague Vasant and I are proud to have contributed to this groundbreaking initiative.

Key Highlights of the Guidelines

1. Comprehensive Approach: The guidelines recommend a range of interventions, including behavioral support, digital cessation tools, and pharmacological treatments.
2. Focus on Quitters: With over 750 million tobacco users wanting to quit, these guidelines aim to bridge the gap in access to effective cessation services.
3. Pharmacotherapy Recommendations: WHO recommends varenicline, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), bupropion, and cytisine as effective treatments for tobacco cessation.
4. Behavioral Interventions: The guidelines emphasize the importance of brief counseling by health workers and more intensive support through individual, group, or phone counseling.
5. Digital Solutions: Recognizing the potential of technology, the guidelines suggest the use of text messaging, smartphone apps, and internet programs as adjuncts or self-management tools.
6. Combination Therapy: The guidelines stress that combining pharmacotherapy with behavioral interventions significantly increases quitting success rates.

Why These Guidelines Matter

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, highlighted the importance of these guidelines, stating, "This guideline marks a crucial milestone in our global battle against these dangerous products. It empowers countries with the essential tools to effectively support individuals in quitting tobacco and alleviate the global burden of tobacco-related diseases."

The guidelines address a critical need, as 70% of those wishing to quit tobacco currently lack access to effective cessation services. By providing clear, evidence-based recommendations, WHO aims to help countries and healthcare providers offer the best possible support to those struggling with tobacco addiction.

Looking Ahead

As members of the Tobacco Expert Group, we believe these guidelines will play a crucial role in shaping tobacco cessation efforts worldwide. They provide a roadmap for countries to implement effective, accessible, and affordable cessation services.

We encourage healthcare providers, policymakers, and stakeholders to adopt and implement these guidelines. By doing so, we can take a significant step towards improving global health and reducing the burden of tobacco-related diseases.

For more information, visit the WHO website.

Let's work together to create a world where quitting tobacco is not just a possibility, but a reality for millions.