Wales is aiming to become a smoking-free nation by the end of this decade.
Around 14% of the population currently takes up the habit, but the Welsh Government believes it can bring that down to less than 5% by 2030 with the right targeted intervention.
High on the priority list for bringing smoking rates down is tackling health inequalities and increasing support for those who want to quit. There remain strong links between smoking and deprivation, with those in poorer areas more likely to smoke.
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It is estimated that the Welsh NHS spends approximately £302m on smoking-related illness and disease each year. Smoking is still the number one cause of death and disease in Wales, and is considered to be one of the leading causes of health inequalities in the nation.
Last November the Welsh Government launched a national consultation which will help shape Wales' long-term tobacco strategy - and it's calling on the public to get involved before the deadline of March 31.
Last year Wales became the first UK nation to introduce smoke-free playgrounds, school grounds and hospital grounds. More recently, on March 1, 2022, smoking in bedrooms in hotels and guest houses was banned as well as smoke-free requirements introduced in self-contained holiday accommodation such as cottages and caravans.
Deputy minister for mental health and wellbeing, Lynne Neagle, said: "Our ambition is to make Wales smoke-free and to support people to make choices to improve their health and wellbeing. While we are already leading the way, we know more can be done.
"We want people across Wales to share their views on what can be done to tackle the major health inequalities caused by smoking. By joining the consultation, you will be playing an active part in ensuring the next generation, and all people in Wales can enjoy healthier, smoke-free lives."
The new plans will also look at how additional support can be given to help more people quit through the free NHS Help Me Quit service, as well as exploring how publicly-funded organisations could be asked to be smoke-free and helping workforces to get advice and support to quit.
According to charity Ash Wales, an estimated 45% of Welsh smokers try to quit ever year. However, only 3% of them access NHS smoking cessation support annually, despite research showing that support can increase success up to three times.
Their campaign message this year is centred around 'Never Quit Quitting', which encourages smokers to not give up as each quit attempt brings a smoker closer to success.
CEO of Ash Cymru Suzanne Cass has called for smokers to use No Smoking Day, on March 9, as a catalyst for change. She said: "Today is a yet another solid reason to take charge of your health and to stop smoking. To anyone who has struggled to quit, you are not alone and there are services here to support you.
"The NHS Help Me Quit service is a brilliant resource which offers fantastic support for people who are eager to quit. Such support can increase your chances of quitting threefold."
Members of the Senedd have joined in the campaigns efforts by meeting with Ash Cymru and offering support. John Griffiths MS, the chairman of the cross-party group on smoking and health, said: "I would encourage anyone to seek help and to not quit on quitting, as smoking remains the leading cause of ill-health and premature death in Wales.
"No Smoking Day is a brilliant cause, which not only highlights the avenues of support available in Wales but also pulls into focus the benefits of quitting."
In as little as eight hours after quitting a smoker's carbon monoxide levels halve and are significantly reduced after two days. After a two weeks blood circulation improves, and after three to nine months lung function can increase by up to 10%. Within a year of quitting, the risk of a heart attack is halved compared to the risk of a current smoker.
In addition to health improvements, stopping smoking also holds financial benefits. Research conducted by Cancer Research UK has estimated that the average smoker could save over £2,000 each year if they manage to quit successfully.
To have your say on how Wales should create a smoke-free society, visit gov.wales/consultations
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