© World Health Organization 2003

This report discusses individual approaches (behavioural and/or pharmacological interventions) to treatment of tobacco dependence in addition to the supportive environment needed to encourage tobacco users in their attempts to quit. It also describes how the treatment of tobacco dependence should be part of a comprehensive tobacco control policy along with measures such as, taxation and price policies, advertising restrictions, dissemination of information and establishment of smoke-free public places. It concludes with a set of policy recommendations for smoking cessation and treatment of tobacco dependence that governments, nongovernmental organizations and health professionals should adopt to achieve public health gains in the short and medium term.

© World Health Organization 2004

This handbook addresses the need to provide potential guidance for governments and ministries of health in developing their ability to effectively confront the tobacco epidemic. It contains three main sections. The Introduction presents the evolving definition of “national capacity”, identifies the types of capacities needed for effective tobacco control and outlines the key features of building capacity. Part I provides a descriptive overview of the tobacco epidemic. Part II focuses on the fundamental capacities necessary to empower countries to control the tobacco epidemic successfully. Finally, chapters on countering the tobacco industry, forming effective partnerships, monitoring and evaluating progress, and exchanging information and research provide valuable insights to improve tobacco control capacity.