POLICY BRIEF

Supporting Smoking and Vaping
Cessation to Promote Lung Health

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death worldwide, responsible for over 8 million deaths annually, while vaping products have introduced new challenges in nicotine dependence and lung health. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) calls for comprehensive measures to reduce tobacco demand and promote cessation, aligning with SDG 3.4 on reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and SDG 3.a on strengthening tobacco control. Efforts to address both smoking and vaping are critical to reducing lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, and emerging harms linked to electronic nicotine delivery systems. This Fast-Track Health policy brief highlights best practices through five case studies, discusses challenges and opportunities, and provides actionable recommendations for municipal, national, and regional health authorities.

National Health Service (NHS) Stop Smoking Services in the United Kingdom: The NHS operates one of the most comprehensive smoking cessation programs globally, offering counseling, pharmacotherapy (e.g., nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline), and digital tools. These services have consistently doubled quit rates compared to unassisted attempts. More recently, the UK has piloted e-cigarettes as a harm reduction tool within cessation services, reflecting a pragmatic approach to nicotine dependence. (Public Health England, 2021)

Plain Packaging and Quitline Integration in Australia. Australia pioneered plain packaging for tobacco products, reducing attractiveness and smoking initiation. This was coupled with nationwide Quitline services offering behavioral support and counseling. Studies indicate that plain packaging combined with cessation support contributed to reduced smoking prevalence and improved quit attempts. (BMJ, 2019)

Vaping-Targeted Youth Campaigns in the United States. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FDA launched the “The Real Cost” campaign targeting youth vaping, warning about nicotine addiction and lung injury risks. Evidence shows reduced vaping susceptibility among adolescents exposed to the campaign. This case highlights the importance of adapting cessation and prevention strategies to address rapidly evolving nicotine delivery systems. (CDC/FDA, 2020)

Comprehensive Tobacco Control Policies in Uruguay. Uruguay implemented some of the world’s strongest tobacco control measures, including graphic health warnings, bans on tobacco advertising, and restrictions on flavorings. These policies, upheld by the WHO FCTC, reduced smoking rates significantly. By pairing regulation with expanded cessation services, Uruguay demonstrated how policy and support systems can drive down national prevalence. (WHO, 2016)

Community-Based Tobacco Cessation in Kenya. Kenya integrated cessation counseling into primary healthcare through community health workers, focusing on low-income populations with high tobacco use rates. Training health workers to deliver brief interventions proved effective and scalable. This community-driven approach expanded access to cessation services in resource-limited settings, aligning with broader NCD strategies. (Kenya Ministry of Health, 2020)

Tobacco and vaping cessation face several challenges globally. Nicotine dependence remains highly addictive, with relapse rates high even after multiple quit attempts. Vaping has complicated cessation efforts by introducing new products, often marketed as less harmful, creating confusion and dual-use patterns. Policy enforcement gaps—particularly in low- and middle-income countries—limit the effectiveness of bans and regulations. Industry interference, aggressive marketing, and misinformation further undermine public trust and weaken policy implementation, especially among youth and vulnerable groups.

Despite these challenges, opportunities to advance cessation are expanding. Digital health solutions such as mobile apps, quitlines, and text-based reminders have increased accessibility of cessation support. Integration of smoking and vaping cessation into primary care and universal health coverage models can normalize treatment and reduce stigma. Policy innovations—such as plain packaging, flavor restrictions, and smoke-free zones—continue to drive declines in tobacco use. With increased investment, multisectoral collaboration, and alignment with the WHO FCTC, smoking and vaping cessation can become a cornerstone of lung health promotion and NCD prevention.