The WHO has released the first clinical treatment guidelines for smoking cessation in adults, aimed at helping 750 million smokers worldwide to quit. Recommending both pharmacological and behavioral treatments.
Comprehensive Recommendations for Quitting Smoking
On July 2, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) first clinical treatment guidelines for adults to quit smoking were released. Recommending medication, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion, chrysin, and other prescription drugs.
The guideline is designed to support the more than 750 million cigarette users who want to quit smoking in a variety of ways. It offers a comprehensive approach that includes behavioral support, digital cessation interventions, and medication from healthcare providers. The recommendations apply to all adults who want to quit smoking, including tobacco, hookah, smokeless tobacco products, cigars, self-tobacco, and heated tobacco products (HTP).
Pharmacological Treatment Options
For smokers and those interested in quitting, varenicline (varenicline), nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion (bupropion), and cytisine (cytotoxic lentiline) are available as a pharmacologic treatment option. Varenicline, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), or bupropion are the preferred treatments; combinations of NRT (e.g., patch plus a short-acting method, such as bubblegum or lozenges) are available for those who choose NRT.
For smokeless cigarette users interested in quitting. Varenicline or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can be chosen as a pharmacological intervention option, and treatments with enhanced behavioral support (including individual zero-distance coaching, Group zero-distance coaching, and telephone coaching) are available.
WHO Emphasizes Access and Global Support
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated:
- “To effectively support individuals to quit smoking and reduce the global burden of cigarette-related disease, this guidance provides countries with essential tools.”
Although more than 60% of the world’s 1.25 billion tobacco users express a desire to quit, around 70% still lack access to effective cessation services. Barriers such as limited healthcare resources, especially in low- and middle-income countries, remain a challenge.
To improve accessibility, WHO encourages countries to provide cessation treatments at no or low cost. Since 2008, WHO has initiated a pre-certification process for medications treating tobacco dependence. In April 2024, Kenvue nicotine gum and patches became the first WHO-prequalified NRT products, marking a major milestone.
Behavioral and Digital Support Strategies
The guidelines also emphasize behavioral and digital treatment methods. Brief counseling sessions from healthcare providers—lasting 30 seconds to three minutes—are recommended as an essential intervention.
For individuals seeking further support, more intensive behavioral treatments such as individual, group, or phone counseling are advised. Digital tools—including text messaging, smartphone applications, and online programs—are also recommended to provide ongoing motivation and self-regulation support.
