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
03 November 2025
This Lung Cancer Awareness Month (November) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and to know how to reduce your risk
31 October 2025
We’re proud to celebrate the success of the “Beyond the Session – embedding therapeutic practice in school culture” project, winner of the PHA-sponsored Partnership in Public Health category at the Ad...
28 October 2025
Strokes claim the lives of around 1,000 people each year in Northern Ireland. Ahead of World Stroke Day on Wednesday 29 October, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people to ‘think FAST’ if...
Latest publications
04 November 2025
This leaflet encourages people to take health professional advice on the use of antibiotics.
04 November 2025
This easy read guide to the COVID-19 vaccine talks about the virus, the vaccine and who is eligible, how you get it and any potential side effects.
31 October 2025
This leaflet provides information on pressure ulcers, how they develop and the steps patients and carers can take to prevent them.
Featured content
The Public Health Agency’s ‘Talking really helps’ mass media campaign is running from November 2025 to March 2026. The campaign aims to encourage anyone with feelings of anxiety or distress, or who is in crisis, to start the conversation about their real feelings. The campaign also promotes Lifeline, Northern Ireland's crisis response helpline.
The Public Health Agency produces a variety of statistical products, research, and analyses.
Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infection in Northern Ireland monthly report. GAS are common bacteria and can be present on or in the human body, without causing infection which is known as colonisation.