The Public Health Agency is working closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which is coordinating the UK public health response on hantavirus associated with the MV Hondius. To date, UKHSA have informed us that no close contacts have been identified from Northern Ireland. We will continue to monitor the situation alongside other agencies and partners, and provide assistance and public health advice as required. Further information and updates can be found on the UKHSA website at www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak

The Public Health Agency (PHA) welcomes the publication of Sir Frank Atherton’s report on cervical screening. The report notes that there were a number of past failings in elements of the operation, governance and quality assurance of the cervical screening system. The PHA is sorry for its part in this and apologises to people who have been affected. This report, and the previous reviews that have been undertaken, have provided important direction which has helped strengthen service improvement in the screening programme, as well as highlighting shortcomings in how the system operated. In

Community and voluntary organisations are being encouraged by the Public Health Agency (PHA) to apply for a programme that can help tackle health inequalities in their local communities. The Elevate Mentoring and Grants programme, coordinated by the Community Development and Health Network (CDHN), is now open for applications following another successful year. During the 2025/26 initiative, 21 organisations benefitted from the PHA funding which saw communities throughout Northern Ireland engaged in activities that ranged from working with trafficked migrants in Belfast and a mental health