Health systems failing smokers in poorest nations, experts say
Only 13 low- and middle-income countries offer smokers the full support needed to help them quit, leaving around 1.3 billion people without access to effective care, according to a new study.
A new study reveals that only 13 low- and middle-income countries offer comprehensive smoking cessation care, leaving approximately 1.3 billion smokers without effective assistance. Despite tobacco being the leading cause of preventable death, claiming over 7 million lives annually, most smokers reside in developing nations where healthcare systems are burdened but underfunded.
While many governments claim support exists, researchers found that just 13 lower-income nations provide the WHO-recommended gold standard of care, comprising behavioral counseling and free or subsidized medication. Factors such as cultural norms, government policies, funding models, and industry influence shape access to care, making it essential to tailor quitting programs to each nation's unique landscape.
Experts emphasize that health care services must fulfill their duty to treat tobacco addiction, citing evidence that such interventions are cost-effective, easy to integrate, and drive significant health and economic benefits. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, recommends accessible, low-cost strategies like national quitlines, mobile health apps, community health workers, routine screening using systems like "Ask-Advise-Connect," and coverage of proven smoking cessation medications like nicotine patches, cytisine, and varenicline.
These measures can help eliminate financial barriers and ensure equitable access to comprehensive tobacco cessation support globally, aiming to prevent millions of tobacco-related deaths.
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