World Health Organization publishes first-ever clinical treatment guideline for tobacco cessation in adults

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its first guideline on tobacco cessation, recommending behavioral support, digital interventions, and pharmacological treatments.

Targeting over 750 million tobacco users who wish to quit, the guidelines apply to various tobacco products, including cigarettes, waterpipes, smokeless tobacco, cigars, roll-your-own tobacco, and heated tobacco products (HTPs).

Although 60% of the world's 1.25 billion tobacco users want to quit, 70% lack access to effective cessation services due to resource limitations in health systems. Combining pharmacotherapy with behavioral interventions significantly increases success rates. WHO advises countries to provide these treatments at low or no cost, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Recommended treatments include varenicline, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), bupropion, and cytisine.

In 2023, WHO began prequalifying medicinal products for tobacco use disorders, with Kenvue’s nicotine gum and patch becoming the first prequalified NRT products in April 2024.

WHO encourages adopting these guidelines to promote tobacco cessation and improve global health.