Thinking about quitting tobacco but don’t know where to start?
Help is just a phone call away. On World No Tobacco Day, Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population introduced a powerful new tool to fight the grip of smoking helpline number 1132.
This helpline was launched by Health Minister Pradeep Paudel with the goal of reducing tobacco use across the country. With over 27,000 people dying every year in Nepal due to tobacco-related diseases, this step marks a serious effort to change the future.
Tobacco addiction is a tough enemy. Many users try to quit multiple times without success. That’s where 1132 comes in. It connects callers with trained counselors who offer support, guidance, and motivation to help smokers and tobacco chewers take their first step toward a healthier life.
The service is free of charge and confidential. Whether someone wants to quit smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or using other tobacco products, the helpline is ready to help. Counselors talk to users in their own language and understand the local culture, habits, and challenges. They provide personalized strategies and regular follow-ups to improve success rates.
Even though tobacco use is still common in many Nepali communities, 1132 offers a new ray of hope. It’s not about forcing people to stop, but about empowering them with the right tools and encouragement.
Minister Paudel emphasized that although banning tobacco completely is not possible, giving people accessible help can bring big change. Campaigns, awareness drives, and now this national quitline are all part of a long-term strategy to protect public health.
Calling 1132 can also give users information on the health risks of tobacco, how it affects their families, and what support systems are available. Many callers learn about harmful chemicals, how tobacco increases the risk of cancer and heart disease, and how quitting can improve their life expectancy and finances.
The helpline also serves as a resource for family members and friends who want to help a loved one quit. They can call 1132 to learn how to provide emotional and practical support.
Nepal has already made strides by banning tobacco ads and printing warning labels on packaging. But behavior change takes time and trust. That’s why 1132 is such a valuable step—it builds a direct, caring connection between experts and those in need.
So if you or someone you know wants to break free from tobacco, just dial 1132. Because every call could be the beginning o
f a tobacco-free life.
