NEWS

A new public health campaign urging people to protect themselves from harmful UV exposure has been launched across 500 community pharmacies in Northern Ireland, as figures show more than 4,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. Running throughout April and May, the ‘Care in the Sun’ initiative is being delivered through the Living Well pharmacy service, a partnership between the Public Health Agency (PHA), Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI), and the Department of Hea

Families across Northern Ireland are being urged to familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of meningitis as students return home for the Easter break. The Public Health Agency (PHA) has used the holiday period to remind parents, young people and students to check they are up to date with their MenACWY vaccination, while also raising awareness of the potentially life-threatening symptoms that require urgent medical attention. The warning comes after a recently repo

Health officials have reassured the public in Northern Ireland there is no increased risk from a meningitis outbreak in South East England — but are urging people to stay alert to the warning signs of the potentially life-threatening illness. The Public Health Agency (PHA) said it is closely monitoring the situation, with the UK Health Security Agency leading the response in England. While the outbreak has not impacted Northern Ireland, experts stress that rapid recognition

The first 1,000 days of a baby’s life can shape their future health, education and wellbeing — and experts say getting support right during that window is critical. Leaders from across Northern Ireland’s health, education and community sectors gathered to launch a refreshed Infant Mental Health Framework and Action Plan designed to strengthen support for families from pregnancy through to a child’s third birthday. The updated framework, announced by Health Minister Mike Nesbi

(L-R) Sonya McMullan, Women’s Aid Federation; Maureen Ritchie, DoH; Catherine Magennis, PHA; Health Minister Mike Nesbitt; Amanda Mairs, NHSCT; Justice Minister Naomi Long; Sonia Glendinning, DoH; Amber McCloughlin, PHA; Martina Moore, DoH. New regional guidance designed to help nurses and midwives identify and respond to domestic abuse has been launched across Northern Ireland, aiming to strengthen early intervention and ensure victims receive the support they need sooner. T

Chickenpox vaccination is to be added to Northern Ireland’s childhood immunisation programme from January, offering thousands of children protection each year against an illness that, while often considered mild, can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications. The Public Health Agency (PHA) confirmed the move will mark the first time children in Northern Ireland can receive free protection against chickenpox through the routine childhood vaccination schedule. Hea

Smokers across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to make quitting smoking their New Year’s resolution, as the Public Health Agency (PHA) highlights a wide range of free stop smoking support services available to help people quit for good. The PHA is urging those who smoke to take advantage of the fresh start offered by the beginning of a new year, describing quitting smoking as one of the most positive steps people can take to improve their health and protect those around

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on all eligible people to get their flu vaccine “without delay”, warning that cases and hospital admissions are rising sharply in Northern Ireland in the run-up to Christmas. Nearly 500,000 flu vaccines have already been administered this season, but the latest respiratory surveillance data shows a significant increase in flu activity across all monitored age groups and healthcare settings. Confirmed cases have climbed from 988 to 1

Fionntán McGarvey As the countdown to Christmas begins, one Belfast family is urging people across Northern Ireland to talk openly about organ donation — a conversation they say helped them honour their teenage son’s final wishes and save the lives of others. On Organ Donation Discussion Day, Thursday 11 December, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging households to take a moment to consider their decision about organ and tissue donation and share that choice with love

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging parents and guardians across Northern Ireland to ensure their children receive the seasonal flu vaccine, as the latest surveillance data shows influenza activity on the rise — with the highest positivity rate recorded in children aged 5–14. All pre-school children and those in primary school up to Year 12 are eligible for the free flu vaccine, delivered as a simple nasal spray. Dr Amanda McCullough, Specialty Registrar in Public Health

Amy Symington As the world marks World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) next week, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is shining a light on the very real and often devastating consequences of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). At the centre of this year’s message is the powerful experience of 21-year-old Portstewart woman Amy Symington , whose life was upended when a seemingly minor hip pain evolved into a life-threatening infection resistant to common antibiotics. For

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Alison Griffiths, Nurse Consultant PHA launching the winter vaccines in Portaferry The Public Health...

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care (HSC) organisations are encouraging people across Northern Ireland to look...

As Northern Ireland prepares for a series of concerts this weekend, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a stark reminder to the...

Libby Higham, Coordinator at the Family Caring Centre A heartfelt telephone befriending service in Antrim is making a significant...

A landmark ban on single-use vapes has come into effect today across the United Kingdom, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s efforts...

L-R: Callie Persic, Development Manager at Belfast City Council, Stephen Wilson, Head of Strategic Engagement, Public Health Agency,...

A groundbreaking report from the Public Health Agency (PHA) has shed light on the escalating issue of vaping among young people in...

With the summer travel season approaching, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued timely guidance to help holidaymakers safeguard...

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has made a direct appeal to the people of Northern Ireland, urging them to take greater personal...