The latest sexual health figures released today by the Public Health Agency (PHA) show an overall increase in both testing and diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Northern Ireland. In 2021, there was a 47% increase in the overall number of STI tests carried out compared with before the pandemic in 2019. This is due to a significant increase in home STI testing, commissioned by the health service. Ten percent of home tests were positive, and this positivity rate has not fallen with the increased testing, which would suggest that people are being tested appropriately and

This Lung Cancer Awareness Month (November) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people not to delay in contacting their doctor as soon as they have any concerns about possible symptoms of lung cancer. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers among both men and women in Northern Ireland with over 1,300 cases diagnosed every year. Dr Kirsty Kapande Public Health Registrar with the PHA said: “Being aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer is important. When it comes to the early detection of cancer, the best thing you can do is listen to your body. In most cases, it is likely to

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a mass media public information campaign and pharmacy-focused awareness programme to encourage uptake of winter vaccines across eligible groups. The winter vaccination programme, which includes the COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine, is under way across Northern Ireland, and getting both vaccines can help protect the public and our health service over the coming winter. The vaccines help to prolong protection already received from initial COVID-19 vaccinations, while the flu vaccine is needed every year as the antibodies that protect against flu

Ulster GAA has become the latest organisation to join the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme – a programme that aims to increase the number of premises which actively show support to breastfeeding mums. This new membership represents a huge support network to breastfeeding mums here and will involve over 300 clubs. In joining this scheme, Ulster GAA has agreed that: breastfeeding is acceptable in all areas of a club’s premises open to the general public a mother who is breastfeeding in an area of the club’s premises open to the general public will not be asked to

Wednesday 2 November is Stress Awareness Day and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the signs and symptoms of stress and what we can do to tackle stress in our lives, including free online stress control classes. Stress is the feeling of being unable to cope as a result of too much mental or emotional pressure. It can affect our physical health as well as our mental health and wellbeing. Common signs of stress can include sleeping problems, sweating, loss of appetite and difficulty concentrating. You may feel anxious, irritable, experience racing thoughts, worry constantly or go

Ahead of World Stroke Day (29 October) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to think ‘FAST’ if they see someone having a stroke because the quicker you act the better the outcomes can be. Stroke is a common cause of death and disability in Northern Ireland with approximately 2,800 new strokes here every year. While the majority of strokes occur in people over the age of 65, it can strike at any age, with 25% occurring in people under the age of 65. Dr Brid Farrell, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “ This World Stroke Day we want to raise awareness of the main signs