WHO releases first-ever guideline to help adults quit tobacco

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first-ever guidelines to help adults quit smoking, recommending a combination of digital cessation programs, behavioural support, and medication.

With one in five adults worldwide consuming tobacco products, the guidelines aim to address the needs of the 750 million users who want to quit but have limited access to effective cessation services. The recommended treatments include counselling, habit-changing techniques, dedicated apps, nicotine replacement therapy, and medications such as varenicline, bupropion, and cytisine. WHO emphasized that the most effective approach combines behavioural support with pharmacotherapy.