'Quit Tobacco' is the core message of a new campaign run by the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate with the aim of uniting smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers in raising awareness about the benefits of being smoke-free.

Tobacco is the primary cause of around 650,000 deaths a year within the EU. In Malta, it is estimated that a person a day dies due to tobacco-related causes.

"Nowadays, most people are aware of the fact that smoking is harmful but many do not actually perceive the full extent of that damage," director Charmaine Gauci said during a press conference this morning.

"The benefits of quitting are immediate", Dr. Gauci continued.

Research has shown that those who give up smoking sleep better, are less nervous and more confident. There are also aesthetic and financial advantages to be gained.

"We offer a number of services to encourage people to give up the habit. One can phone the Quitline on 23266116 or attend the smoking cessation classes which take place at the health centres," Dr. Gauci said.

"Don't be afraid to ask for help – the chance of success is higher".

For further information, visit www.facebook.com/stopsmokingmalta/info