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Open Access 01-12-2010 | Commentary

Enabling access to new WHO essential medicines: the case for nicotine replacement therapies

Authors: Sandeep P Kishore, Asaf Bitton, Alejandro Cravioto, Derek Yach

Published in: Globalization and Health | Issue 1/2010

Abstract

Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) are powerful tools for the successful treatment of nicotine addiction and tobacco use. The medicines are clinically effective, supported by the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and are now World Health Organization-approved essential medicines. Enabling global access to NRT remains a challenge given ongoing confusion and misperceptions about their efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and availability with respect to other tobacco control and public health opportunities. In this commentary, we review existing evidence and guidelines to make the case for global access to NRT highlighting the smoker's right to access treatment to sensibly address nicotine addiction.

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Title: Enabling access to new WHO essential medicines: the case for nicotine replacement therapies
Authors: Sandeep P Kishore
Asaf Bitton
Alejandro Cravioto
Derek Yach
Publication date: 01-12-2010
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Globalization and Health / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1744-8603
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1744-8603-6-22

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Enabling access to new WHO essential medicines: the case for nicotine replacement therapies

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