Focus on Health Inequalities (27 October 2010 – 24 November 2010) is a programme of events to highlight innovative action being taken by the Public Health Agency, together with partners, to address health inequalities and the wider determinants of health and wellbeing across Northern Ireland. There will be a focus on poverty, disadvantage, economics and promoting a healthier society. A Focus on Health Inequalities information flyer is available to download below.
West Nile virus reported from Greece
Public health Agency Update – 01 September 2010 An outbreak of West Nile virus (WNV) on the Greek mainland has been confirmed by public health authorities in Greece. More than 100 cases have been confirmed in the periphery of Central Macedonia (Northern Greece), including nine deaths. These are the first human cases of WNV to be reported from Greece.
Sunbed use leads to skin cancer warning
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Northern Ireland and accounts for more than one quarter of all individuals diagnosed with cancer. There are two main types of skin cancer - melanoma and non-melanoma - melanoma is the least common but is the most serious form. There has been a dramatic increase in cases over the years with malignant melanoma skin cancer cases nearly trebling in 25 years.¹
PHA welcomes Home Office plans on legal highs
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has called repeatedly for legislation which will allow new legal highs to be banned immediately.While the Government has acted to ban specific synthetic drugs once the risks of taking them become known, it has always been our concern that the producers of these drugs will manufacture alternative ones to get around the law.