In July 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) released its first clinical treatment guideline for tobacco cessation in adults. The guideline recommends a range of interventions, such as behavioral support from healthcare providers, digital cessation programs, and pharmacological treatments, to aid the more than 750 million tobacco users worldwide who wish to quit. It covers all forms of tobacco, including cigarettes, waterpipes, smokeless tobacco, cigars, roll-your-own tobacco, and heated tobacco products (HTPs).
In November 2021, along with nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion and varenicline have been included to the WHO's Model List of Essential Medicines. These drugs are crucial for lessening reliance and cravings for nicotine, and they mark a significant breakthrough in the worldwide fight against the tobacco epidemic.