According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 8 million people die from the use of tobacco worldwide every year.

Diseases linked to the prolonged use of tobacco products are cancer, heart disease and stroke, lung disease, diabetes, bronchitis and emphysema.

Annually, World No Tobacco Day is celebrated on 31 May under the supervision of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the theme this year is 'Protecting children from tobacco industry interference'.

'In South Africa, and elsewhere, we see that, while cigarette smoking has decreased, e-cigarettes are very popular, even amongst very young children. The range of products that appeal to young people has expanded, and even though they are marketed as safer alternatives to cigarettes, the reality is that they too increase the risk of heart and lung diseases, and result in potential learning difficulties and anxiety disorders. I want to appeal to parents and children to take note of these risks, and to be aware of how youth are being specifically targeted with bright packing and fruit flavourings,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.

• Preventing billion deaths: https://www.nicd.ac.za/preventing-a-billion-deaths-world-no-tobacco-day-may-31/
• World No Tobacco Day: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day
• Heart and Stroke Foundation: https://heartfoundation.co.za/