For most tobacco users it is difficult to cease using tobacco products on their own and they benefit from help and support to overcome their dependence. Article 14 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) mandates all its Parties to take effective measures to promote the cessation of tobacco use and adequate treatment for tobacco dependence. Parties are encouraged to implement the key effective measures recommended by the guidelines for the implementation of Article 14 of the WHO FCTC, including quit lines.

The World Health Organization recommends three types of treatment be included in any tobacco prevention effort: (i) tobacco cessation advice incorporated into primary health-care services; (ii) easily accessible and free quit lines; and (iii) access to low-cost pharmacological therapy.

Quit lines are a practical countrywide step towards offering help to quit, and can also facilitate the adoption of tobacco cessation advice in primary care settings and access to low-cost pharmacological therapy. However, as of 2009, less than a third of countries were operating national toll-free quit lines with live telephone-answering services. Nevertheless, experience shows that when started and operated strategically, they can help move the broader tobacco control agenda forward.