Posted on: Mon 15-07-2024

World Health Organisation (WHO) has released the first-ever clinical guidelines and interventions for effective tobacco cessation in adults.

The guidelines include comprehensive behavioural support, digital cessation interventions and pharmacological treatments to be delivered by healthcare providers for the millions, who wish to quit tobacco and tobacco-related products.

According to the provided guideline, more than 750 million people of 1.25 billion tobacco users wish to quit, yet 70 per cent lack access to effective cessation services and this gap exists due to challenges faced by health systems including resource limitations.

According to a statement by WHO, the recommendations are relevant for all adults seeking to quit various tobacco products, including cigarettes, water pipes, smokeless tobacco products, cigars, roll-your-own tobacco, and heated tobacco products (HTPs).

WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, acknowledged that the new guideline makes a crucial milestone in the global battle against dangerous products and it also empowers countries with the essential tools to effectively support individuals in quitting tobacco to help alleviate the global burden of tobacco-related diseases.

Director of Health Promotion, WHO, Dr Riidiger Krech noted that people are faced with immense struggle when trying to quit smoking and encouraged such individuals and those around them.

“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,” he added.

SOURCE: GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER

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