A woman walks past a no smoking sign outside a shopping center in Bangkok, Thailand. The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidelines aimed at assisting over 750 million adults in their quest to quit various forms of tobacco use, including cigarettes, waterpipes, smokeless tobacco products, cigars, roll-your-own tobacco, and heated tobacco products.
Empowering Countries with Essential Tools
WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described the guidelines as a crucial milestone in the global battle against these harmful products. He highlighted how the recommendations can provide countries with the necessary tools to effectively support individuals in their journey to quit tobacco and reduce the worldwide impact of tobacco-related diseases.
Challenges Faced by Tobacco Users
Despite 60% of the world's 1.25 billion tobacco users expressing a desire to quit smoking, a significant number of them lack access to the necessary support services due to resource constraints and other health system challenges. According to Rüdiger Krech, WHO's Director of Health Promotion, it is imperative to acknowledge the strength and suffering involved in overcoming this addiction. The guidelines are tailored to assist communities and governments in offering the best possible support to those navigating this difficult path.
Effective Treatment Options
WHO's guidelines advocate for a combination of pharmacotherapy and behavioral interventions that have proven to significantly enhance the success rates of quitting smoking. It suggests that countries should make these treatments available at little to no cost to enhance accessibility, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. Treatment options include medications like varenicline, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), bupropion, and cytisine.
For behavioral interventions, WHO recommends brief counseling sessions with health workers lasting from 30 seconds to three minutes in healthcare settings. More intensive care options encompass individual, group, or phone counseling sessions. Additionally, digital interventions, such as text messaging, smartphone applications, and online programs, can serve as supplementary tools or self-management resources, as suggested by WHO.