Welcome to the Public Health Agency
About the Public Health Agency
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary organisation dedicated to improving and protecting the health of the population. As part of the health and social care family, we work closely with the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) of the Department of Health (DoH), local Health Trusts (HSC Trusts), the Business Services Organisation (BSO) and the Patient Client Council (PCC), and other partners to drive meaningful change across Northern Ireland.
Guided by our vision of a healthier Northern Ireland, our purpose is to protect and improve the health and social wellbeing of our population. We are committed to reducing health inequalities through leadership, partnership, and evidence-based practice.
Latest news
02 October 2025
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is shining a spotlight on the importance of social connection and encouraging people to take part in age-friendly events as part of Positive Ageing Month this October.
01 October 2025
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and encouraging everyone to be breast aware throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month which runs...
30 September 2025
Call comes as over 4,000 were hospitalised with flu last year. This year’s winter vaccination campaign commences on Monday 6 October and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding everyone that...
Latest publications
08 October 2025
This guide helps managers support staff after the sudden death of a client or service user, through suspected suicide or substance use.
08 October 2025
The PHA has developed three leaflets to explain the stages of the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme in Northern Ireland. There is also a checklist to help you to monitor your baby's development in...
01 October 2025
If you are receiving chemotherapy or steroids, your immune system may be slightly weaker than usual. This may make it harder for your body to fight off infections. Make sure you are up to date with...
Featured content
COVID-19 genomics weekly report. This report describes and monitors the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) variants in Northern Ireland.
The PHA has integrated influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 reporting into a weekly report to provide a single overview of the epidemiology of these infections in Northern Ireland, along with the number of respiratory care home outbreaks, hospital admissions and occupancy, and deaths.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has developed a draft Partnership and Engagement Strategy for the period 2025-2030, setting out the strategic direction for Experience and Involvement for the next five years.