On December 15, 2011 the North American Quitline Consortium (NAQC) launched an 18-month pilot project dedicated to supporting nations with new and developing quitlines. The Global Quitline Network (GQN) is deeply rooted in a mission to support implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control cessation-related obligations, thus improving the global infrastructure for delivery of high quality cessation services to those who want to quit tobacco. Our work is focused on improving the quality of quitline services through peer-to-peer e-networking and problem-solving and ensuring access to critical evidence, tools, resources and information. 

GQN is led by NAQC with guidance from advisors that include the European Network of Quitlines, Asian Pacific Quitline Network, Global Bridges, Hollings Cancer Center and Alere Wellbeing. More than 50 countries currently have at least one national toll-free quitline with a live person available to provide cessation assistance to some or all of the population. However, there are marked differences in capacity, infrastructure and quality of services provided among high-, medium-, and low-income countries and very few recommended standards for protocols, procedures, operations and evaluation. Building relationships with healthcare delivery systems to improve reach and access, determining effective methods to create demand for cessation services and promote the quitline and developing service model offerings are three of the most important tasks ahead for those countries with new and developing quitlines and GQN has worked to provide guidance on these and other quality-related issues.

NAQC invites you to browse the GQN Web site, including the Global Map of Quitlines, case studies, and the webinar archive, and become familiar with the tools and resources available to those working to implement and strengthen quitlines services across the globe. The GQN Web site will be maintained through May 31, 2013. Should you have any questions about this important project please email Tamatha Thomas-Haase at tthomas-haase@naquitline.org.