WHO supports people quitting tobacco to reduce risk of COVID-19
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched a campaign to support millions of tobacco users who are actively taking steps to save their lives but still need help to succeed.
WHO, stated in a statement on Friday, that the campaign was currently working directly with 29 focus countries and they agreed on selected activities.
“Each country agreed with WHO on selected activities, including running national awareness campaigns, releasing new digital tools, revising policies, engaging youth, training health workers, and opening new cessation clinics.
“Also, supporting nicotine replacement therapies through WHO partners, establishing national toll-free quitlines, making quitting courses available, and more,” the statement said.
WHO’s Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said, “smokers have up to a 50 per cent higher risk of developing severe disease and death from COVID-19.
“So, quitting is the best thing smokers can do to lower their risk from this COVID-19, as well as the risk of developing cancers, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses.
“We urge all countries to play their part by joining the WHO campaign and creating tobacco-free environments that give people the information, support, and tools they need to quit and quit for good.”
WHO’s Director, Health Promotion, Rudiger Krech also said in a statement that, “To help tobacco users to commit to be quitters and winners, we are using digital aids.
“We are using digital aids to release the WHO Quit Challenge chatbot and Artificial Intelligence digital health worker Florence and making advocacy material available in 30 languages.
“The Quit Challenge gives daily notifications of tips and encouragement for up to six months to help people remain tobacco-free. It is available for free on WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook Messenger, and WeChat.”
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