As figures show that more than 12,000 people in the UK lost their lives waiting for a transplant in the past decade, the Public Health Agency is calling for everyone to register their organ donation decision and share it with loved ones. The figures released by NHS Blood and Transplant to mark Organ Donation Week show that in the last ten years, 4,900 people died while actively waiting for a lifesaving transplant, with 44 in Northern Ireland. Additionally, a further 7,700 were removed from the active list after being deemed too sick to receive a transplant, with many dying soon after. This

Ahead of Organ Donation Week which runs from 22-28 September, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging all Key Stage 3 and 4 teachers to download new free resources and deliver them during this important awareness week. The resources have been designed by teachers, for teachers through a PHA-chaired working group, also in association with NHS Blood and Transplant. The content provides an introduction to organ donation and transplantation, how donation works, discussion activities, and information on the recent change in law to an opt-out system. This is provided in an age-appropriate

As pupils return to school, The Daily Mile is back in action and Strandtown Primary School is leading the way! Pupils stepped outside for 15 minutes of fun, fresh air, and physical activity, joined by Parkrun world record holder Nick Griggs in celebration of the school’s commitment to daily movement. The Daily Mile is a simple yet powerful initiative that helps improve children’s physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Every day, pupils run, jog, wheel, or walk at their own pace for 15 minutes, covering roughly a mile – all while enjoying time with friends outdoors. Nick Griggs joined

The Public Health Agency acknowledges phenomenal and inspirational success of Team NI at the World Transplant Games. The Games represent the largest organ donor awareness event in the world with a week-long competition taking in 17 sporting disciplines. Team Northern Ireland, competing for the first time as a stand-alone country, joined 1,500 transplant athletes from 51 countries across the globe. Organised by the World Transplant Games Federation, the Games took place 17-24 August and exist to promote organ donation, encouraging recipients to improve their health and fitness around their

As part of the annual HSC mental health campaign, people are being encouraged to look after their mental health just as much as they would their physical health to help deal with life’s daily challenges. The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care (HSC) organisations have teamed up for this year’s campaign to encourage people to ’Look after your mental health”. Between World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September and World Mental Health Day on 10 October, the PHA, five local HSC Trusts and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) are encouraging everyone to practise mental

As part of the annual HSC mental health campaign people are being encouraged to look after their mental health just as much as they would their physical health to help deal with life’s daily challenges. The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care (HSC) organisations have teamed up for this year’s campaign to encourage people to “Look after your mental health”. Between World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) and World Mental Health Day (10 October) the Public Health Agency (PHA), five local HSC Trusts, and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) are encouraging everyone

The Public Health Agency (PHA) cannot comment on ongoing investigations by the PSNI in relation to recent tragic events. Ahead of concerts taking place this weekend, the PHA is again reminding people to be aware of their safety and that of their friends. A PHA spokesperson said: “We are aware of concern in the community around safety and wellbeing at events, so it is important that people take steps to help keep themselves and those around them safe. “Taking unknown substances or taking something when you cannot be sure of the contents could cause serious illness or even be fatal. It is

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has announced plans to expand the roll out of the shingles vaccination programme from September 2025, providing protection against what can be an extremely painful condition with complications that can be long-lasting. Currently the vaccine is available to those who are aged 65 and 70 on 1 September in addition to people aged 50 and over with severely weakened immune system. But from 1 September 2025, anyone who is aged 18 and over with severely weakened immune system (sometimes known as severely immunosuppressed) will be able to get two doses of the Shingrix