WHO releases clinical treatment guideline for tobacco cessation

The World Health Organisation has recommended a comprehensive set of tobacco cessation interventions, including behavioural support delivered by health-care providers, in its first guidelines on tobacco cessation.
Other interventions include digital cessation and pharmacological treatments, the world health body said in a statement on Tuesday.
It said the guideline focused on helping the more than 750 million tobacco users who want to quit all forms of tobacco.
“The recommendations are relevant for all adults seeking to quit various tobacco products, including cigarettes, waterpipes, smokeless tobacco products, cigars, roll-your-own tobacco, and Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs),’’ it stated.
WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus said that the guideline marked a crucial milestone in the global battle against the 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,” Mr Ghebreyesus said.
According to him, more than 60 per cent of the world’s 1.25 billion tobacco users, more than 750 million people, wish to quit, yet 70 per cent lack access to effective cessation services.
He said that the gap existed due to challenges faced by health systems, including resource limitations.
Rüdiger Krech, director of health promotion at WHO, said 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.
“These guidelines are designed to help communities and governments provide the best possible support and assistance for those on this challenging journey,” Mr Krech said.
He said that combining pharmacotherapy with behavioural interventions significantly increased quitting success rates.
According to him, countries are encouraged to provide these treatments at no or reduced cost to improve accessibility, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Economy
CSCS declares N1 interim dividend after half-year earnings
The company noted that the interim dividend represented 56 per cent of the total dividend of N1.78 per share paid for the 2025 financial year.

Health
Mental health key to attaining excellence in children, says expert
He said children perform better academically and socially when the learning environment supports their emotional well-being.

States
Court dismisses Ned Nwoko’s suit challenging Okowa’s candidacy for Delta North senatorial district
The Federal High Court, Abuja, rejected Mr Nwoko’s suit seeking to void Mr Okowa’s emergence as the APC candidate for the Delta North senatorial district.

Heading 1
Reps begin review of state police bill
“The House and the Senate are working in tandem with each other to make sure that the significant amendments are achieved,” he said.

Economy
Nigeria’s $40 billion net foreign reserves validate Tinubu’s economic reforms: TSF
“The increase from about $3 billion to more than $40 billion within three years, therefore, represents a substantial strengthening of Nigeria’s financial buffers,” the group said.

Heading 4
Andy Burnham takes over as UK’s prime minister, vows to end homelessness
“On my first day as Prime Minister, I’m announcing this government’s commitment to finally end long-term rough sleeping across the UK at the earliest opportunity,” he said.





