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

  • Newborn hearing screening logo

    Newborn hearing screening (English and translations)

    - Publication
    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 addition to the Smart4Hearing (S4H) privacy notice
  • Image of representatives from PHA, Sustrans and Macosquin PS

    School pupils get ready to walk, cycle, wheel and scoot

    - News
    The Public Health Agency (PHA) is supporting the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel by encouraging school pupils to get active on their school commute. Schools across the UK are getting ready to take part in the Big Walk and Wheel challenge, which helps
  • Cover of the 2021 Director of Public Health report showing a wide range of people wearing facemasks

    Coronavirus: the 2021 Director of Public Health report for Northern Ireland

    - Publication
    The 12th Director of Public Health report again focuses on coronavirus (COVID-19). The report describes some of the broader health and societal consequences of the pandemic, and highlights a range of work being undertaken across Northern Ireland to

Your opinion matters

Learn about our Patient & Client Experience and leave your feedback

 Care opinion