Quit Tobacco is the core message of a campaign to unite 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 in the EU.

In Malta, it is estimated that a person a day dies due to tobacco related causes.

“Nowadays, most people are aware that smoking is harmful but many do not actually perceive the full extent of that damage,” Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate director Charmaine Gauci said.

“The benefits of quitting are immediate.”

Research has shown that those who give up smoking sleep better, are less nervous and more confident, the directorate campaign points out.

Nicotine causes tooth discolouration, while hair and complexions grow dull. Premature wrinkles cause the smoker to look between eight to 12 years older.

Female smokers are more likely to have menstrual problems with painful and irregular periods. Their fertility rate is reduced by around 28 per cent compared with non-smokers.

There are also financial advantages. A packet of cigarettes on average costs €4; smokers who consume a packet a day could consequently save up to €1,460 by quitting.

All cigarettes, in any form, are harmful. The World Health Organisation does not consider electronic cigarettes to be legitimate smoking cessation devices and shisha or water-pipe smoking is as harmful as regular cigarettes.

Dr Gauci said the directorate offered a number of services to encourage people to give up the habit. One can phone the Quitline on 2326 6116 or attend the smoking cessation classes that take place at the health centres.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help – the chance of success is higher,” she said.