What we do

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is responsible for providing health protection and health and social wellbeing improvement to every member of every community in Northern Ireland. We are committed to addressing the causes and associated inequalities of preventable ill-health and lack of wellbeing. 
The Public Health Agency was established in April 2009 as part of the reforms to Health and Social Care (HSC) in Northern Ireland. We are a multi-disciplinary, multi-professional body with a strong regional and local presence. 

Directorates

The PHA operates under a framework of three functional areas: Public Health, Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, and Operations, in order to carry out our mandate to safeguard public health, promote public health and social welfare, and reduce inequalities in health and social wellbeing. Our corporate and business plans reflect these arrangements and our purpose as an organisation. Access our Directorates and Service Areas here  

Latest

  • Graphic shows orange background with with circular motif and needle in middle with text needle and syringe exhange service. PHA logo

    Needle exchanges help stop the spread of infection

    - News
    New figures from the Public Health Agency (PHA) show a total of 31,851 transactions were made by the Needle and Syringe Exchange Service (NSES) across Northern Ireland in 2023. Helping to stop the spread of infection from potential drug-related
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    Immunosuppressed individuals reminded to top up COVID-19 protection this spring

    - News
    The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people who are immunosuppressed to top up their COVID-19 protection this spring. Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed should receive a spring booster dose of the vaccine, typically
  • Mental Health Awareness Week - two people walking in a park

    Mental Health Awareness Week: Move more to boost mental health

    - News
    This Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May), the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Sport NI have teamed up to encourage everyone to move more for their mental health and wellbeing. Our physical health can have a big impact on how we feel and what we

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