COVID-19: What is the situation in Northern Ireland?

What is the situation in Northern Ireland? From Sunday 19 April the Department of Health will be releasing the daily statistics on coronavirus (COVID-19) which will be available at www.health-ni.gov.uk The daily update from the Department of Health replaces the Daily Bulletin published by the PHA up to 19 April 2020. The Public Health Agency COVID-19 advice page can be found here. Previous surveillance reports can be found here. Information sources As this situation is rapidly changing the most up-to-date guidance can be found on the Public Health England website: www.gov.uk/government

My Experience of Using Equipment to Live Better with a Disability

10,000 MORE Voices Initiative We want to hear from you. As part of the 10,000 MORE Voices programme, we are gathering real experiences from people across Northern Ireland who use equipment to support independent living. Your story helps us understand what matters most to you, and everything you share is private and confidential. 10,000 MORE Voices places people at the centre of health and social care improvement. By sharing your experience, you help us understand what works well, identify challenges or gaps in support, and improve services for others who rely on similar equipment. Your

Vaccination remains the best protection against serious diseases

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has renewed its call for people to make sure their children are fully vaccinated against preventable diseases following the recent outbreak of measles in England. Measles is highly infectious and is caused by a virus that can easily spread between unvaccinated people. There’s no specific medical treatment for measles, so it’s important to get vaccinated as it’s the best protection against becoming seriously unwell. Rachel Spiers, Senior Commissioning Lead for Immunisations at the PHA, said: “Most of the cases of measles in England have been in children under the

From one mum to another: how breastfeeding peer support volunteers are making a difference

Breastfeeding peer support volunteers are playing a key role in supporting and sustaining breastfeeding rates across Northern Ireland. Working alongside health professionals, they provide free, practical and accessible support to new breastfeeding mums in their local communities. Catherine Magennis, Nurse Consultant at the PHA and Lead for Breastfeeding and Family Nurse Partnership, said: "Breastfeeding offers the best start in life – it provides all the nutrients babies need and acts as natural medicine, helping to protect against infections and reducing the risk of long-term health

Sexual health advice – who do you listen to?

Getting advice from reliable sources and not listening to unverifiable information is essential for our sexual health, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has said. During Sexual Health Week (14-21 February), the PHA is using the theme of ‘Sexual health information: who do you listen to?’ to encourage people to visit reliable health websites and talk to healthcare professionals for accurate information. Frances Dowds, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “Your sexual health and wellbeing is important. Looking after it can have a positive impact on both your mental and

Live Better initiative: PHA evaluation summary

The aims of the evaluation were to describe the development and implementation of Live Better, assess the effectiveness of partnership working, examine barriers and facilitators to delivery, determine the impact of activities..

The aims of the evaluation were to describe the development and implementation of Live Better, assess the effectiveness of partnership working, examine barriers and facilitators to delivery, determine the impact of activities to pr

Live Better initiative: PHA recommendations

The PHA led on the planning, delivery and evaluation of the ‘Live Better’ initiative launched by the Minister for Health in July 2024. 

In September 2025, facilitated stakeholder feedback workshops were held to recognise work completed, shar

The PHA led on the planning, delivery and evaluation of the ‘Live Better’ initiative launched by the Minister for Health in July 2024.

Reducing the risk of sudden infant death: SIDS risk assessment tool for professionals

This risk assessment tool is for use by midwives, family nurses, GPs, social care and health visitors. It has been developed using the evidence base regarding sudden infant death and associated risk factors.

This risk assessment tool is for use by midwives, family nurses, GPs, social care and health visitors. It has been developed using the evidence base regarding sudden infant death and associated risk factors.

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