“If it wasn’t for screening, I probably wouldn’t be here today” – Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (21–28 January), the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding women of the importance of attending for cervical screening when invited. Katrina Jones from Belfast went for her routine cervical smear test in 2022 and after further investigations, found out she had cervical cancer. Katrina said: “I just went for a routine smear test and didn’t think anything of it. They called me back and I then had a biopsy. I could actually tell by the look on their faces that I had cancer. “I was expecting to be told I had cancer but thought I’d maybe have a few little

Promoting equality and inclusion: the HSC regional LGBTQ+ staff forum

What is HSC regional LGBTQ+ staff forum? A confidential Forum to provide a safe and welcoming space for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people working within health and social care, create an inclusive environment, and improve wellbeing. The Public Health Agency is committed to promoting health and reducing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The Agency also recognises the central contribution that staff makes to the fabric of our health and social care services. With approximately 66,000 staff employed across all HSC settings, based on population estimates of Lesbian, Gay

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Photograph of school pupils receiving exam results

Talk to young people now about alcohol and drug risks, ahead of exam results

With young people set to receive their exam results, the PHA is encouraging parents and guardians to talk to them now about risks of drinking alcohol and taking drugs.

About the Public Health Agency

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary organisation dedicated to improving and protecting the health of the population. As part of the health and social care family, we work closely with the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) of the Department of Health (DoH), local Health Trusts (HSC Trusts), the Business Services Organisation (BSO) and the Patient Client Council (PCC), and other partners to drive meaningful change across Northern Ireland. 

Guided by our vision of a healthier Northern Ireland, our purpose is to protect and improve the health and social wellbeing of our population.  We are committed to reducing health inequalities through leadership, partnership, and evidence-based practice.

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  • The HPSA report provides an overview of selected surveillance metrics in the form of a situational awareness summary. Horizon scanning provides information on emerging situations that can impact public health including local, national and global events.

  • COVID-19 genomics weekly report. This report describes and monitors the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) variants in Northern Ireland.

  • The PHA has integrated influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 reporting into a weekly report to provide a single overview of the epidemiology of these infections in Northern Ireland, along with the number of respiratory care home outbreaks, hospital admissions and occupancy, and deaths.

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How to make the most of your goals this year

This National Obesity Week [10 – 16 January], the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting ways you can set realistic targets to help improve your health and wellbeing in 2025. Dr Hannah McCourt, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA said: “Many of us end up making the same New Year’s resolution every year – to start eating better and exercise more – only to give up after a short time because our targets aren’t sustainable. “Setting targets is important, however it is also important to be realistic. A sure-fire way to give-up quickly is to make your goals unattainable or

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Make time to get vaccinated this new year

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone to take steps to reduce the spread of flu, COVID-19 and RSV – particularly by getting vaccinated if you are eligible. This reduces the risk of illness for you and those around you, and can also help with wider pressures on our health service this new year. The PHA is also reassuring everyone who is eligible for vaccination under the free HSC programme that sufficient stock of vaccines is available, so they shouldn’t delay in getting them. Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the Public Health Agency (PHA), said: “ Every year we

Stop smoking services wallet card

Public health advice during cold spell

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued advice for people to look after themselves and others following the yellow warning for snow and ice this week. Dr Anna Cullen, Public Health Doctor at the PHA, said: “As temperatures drop with snow and ice predicted for this week, this is a good opportunity to plan ahead to try to reduce its impact. “For some people the onset of the cold weather can bring particular hazards. Vulnerable and older people can find it difficult to get out to the shops or to keep their house adequately heated, putting them at risk. “However, there are steps we can take to

Free support on offer to help New Year smoking resolutions

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging smokers to make it their New Year’s resolution to quit smoking and improve their health, with a range of free support available to help. Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA , said: “The start of a new year provides a brilliant opportunity to make a fresh start and to quit smoking. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and protect people around you from harmful second-hand smoke. Quitting will also save you money, which is significant as people face tough times with the cost of living crisis

Ways to get active in 2025

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting different ways you can get active in 2025 as we gear up for the New Year. Gerard Walls, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Officer at the PHA, said: “At this time of the year, following Christmas, many people will be looking at how they can become healthier and fitter, get more active, and achieve a healthy weight. “Being physically active is really important and daily activity will help you feel better, manage stress, improve your sleep and maintain a healthy weight. It can also reduce your risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart
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