Ahead of World TB Day on 24 March the Public Health Agency (PHA) has released the latest figures which show a 40% increase incidence of Tuberculosis (TB) in Northern Ireland last year. In 2012 in Northern Ireland there were 87* cases of TB reported, up from 2011 when 62 cases were reported. Since 2004, there have also been 12 cases of multi-drug resistant TB (MDRTB).

Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum, in partnership with the Later Years Group of the Western Investing for Health Partnership and the Public Health Agency (PHA), hosted 'The Age of Change' Conference in the City Hotel, Derry~Londonderry as part of the City of Culture programme of activities.

With the Six Nations drawing to an end, the Formula 1 season blasting off and St Patrick’s Day celebrations swinging into action, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on people to bear in mind their alcohol consumption as they enjoy themselves over the long weekend. Owen O’Neill, the PHA’s Drugs and Alcohol Lead, said: “Most people will be looking forward to a weekend of fun, so we are just asking people to keep an eye on how much they are drinking and to make sure that alcohol does not spoil the holiday for themselves or others.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting World Kidney Day (Thursday 14 March 2013) by calling for more people in Northern Ireland to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor register. World Kidney Day was first established in 2006 to raise awareness about the importance of our kidneys in relation to our overall health, while also seeking to reduce the impact of kidney disease worldwide.

‘Mental health is a key priority for us all’ - that’s what delegates at a mental health nursing conference held yesterday, [Tuesday 12 March], at Mossley Mill heard about the importance of working together to improve mental health nursing services in Northern Ireland.

No Smoking Day welcomes all quitters and re-quitters More than a third of smokers in Northern Ireland have lost count of the number of times they have tried to quit and almost one in seven say they are ‘desperate to beat their addiction’, according to a new report out today, the 30th No Smoking Day.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to keep a close eye on their salt intake during National Salt Awareness Week, which takes place this week. The theme for this year’s awareness week is ‘Less Salt Please’, with the aim of encouraging people to take control of the salt in their own food by simply using less salt during cooking and at the table and replacing it with alternative flavourings, such as pepper, lemon juice, vinegar, herbs and spices.

The importance of providing children with the best possible start in life will be highlighted today [Friday 8 March] at the launch of the ‘Baby’s Day Out’ book in the Central Library, Derry~Londonderry. The book features a story about a child visiting the city and learning about the fascinating things it has to offer, and is being launched at the RhymeTime session as part of the Humdinger! Children's Book Festival, one of several City of Culture events taking place during 2013.