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

  • Cover of factsheet for hospitality factsheet on swallowing difficulties showing image of smiling waitress carrying tray of food and drink with family dining in the background

    Improving experience for customers with swallowing difficulties - top tips for hospitality

    - Publication
    Eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) can affect people with a range of medical conditions, including cancer, dementia, mental health conditions, Parkinson's and learning disabilities. This factsheet for the hospitality sector
  • PHA statement

    Statement on measles

    - News
    The Public Health Agency (PHA) has been made aware of a confirmed case of measles in a resident of the Republic of Ireland who travelled on a flight from Abu Dhabi to Dublin, which arrived on Saturday 9 March 2024. Following a risk assessment with
  • Call to get vaccinated as whooping cough cases rise image with child in background coughing

    Call to get vaccinated as whooping cough cases rise

    - News
    The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging pregnant women and the parents of young children to book an appointment for the pertussis vaccine to help protect their children after a significant rise in cases of whooping cough. A highly contagious and

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