This Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month [March], the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. In Northern Ireland there were 1,019 cases of ovarian cancer (including fallopian tube) diagnosed during 2018 – 2022. This is around 200 cases per year on average. The PHA is urging women to speak to their GP as soon as possible if they notice any of the common symptoms. Dr Tracy Owen, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Ovarian cancer is more common in women who have been through the menopause, usually in those over the age of

Representatives from across the statutory, voluntary and community sectors came together today (5 March) to launch Northern Ireland’s refreshed Infant Mental Health Framework and Action Plan. This plan, announced by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, reaffirms a commitment by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and others to improve interventions from the antenatal period through to babies aged three years old. The conference at which the plan was launched was attended by a wide range of senior representatives from health, education, early years, government and community organisations. Key speakers

NI’s Family Nurse Partnership success inspires international interest A delegation of midwives and government officials from Latvia have visited Northern Ireland to learn from the longstanding and successful delivery of the Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) programme. Introduced in Northern Ireland in 2010, the Family Nurse Partnership is an evidence-based home visiting programme that supports first time young mothers—typically aged 19 and under—from early pregnancy until their child reaches two years of age. Funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and delivered by specially trained family

This is our health is a new public engagement programme led by the Department of Health, with support from the Public Health Agency and HSC partners. Aim of the programme: Its aim is to listen to people and start developing a shared “health and care promise” — an agreement between the public and the HSC system about how we can all play a bigger part, so people can live healthier lives and services can focus their efforts where they are needed most. This programme aims to build a healthier, more resilient Northern Ireland by reshaping how people engage with the health and care system. Our goals

Ahead of International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Awareness Day (Wednesday 4 March), the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of both vaccination and cervical screening to help drive down rates of HPV-related cancers. The HPV vaccine helps to prevent HPV-related cancers from developing in young people. It is a one dose programme which is offered to children in year 9 while at school, making it convenient for parents and kids, and is given as an injection in the upper arm, the same way as many other vaccines. The evidence shows one jab offers excellent and long-lasting

No Smoking Month is fast approaching, and the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are encouraging smokers to ‘Make March Your Month to Quit’. In 2024/25, a total of 9,587 people were reported to have set a quit date through PHA funded stop smoking services in Northern Ireland. This year could be your year to quit for good and join the thousands of people across Northern Ireland making a positive change to improve their health. Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “March is No Smoking Month and a fantastic opportunity to make the commitment to

10,000 MORE Voices Initiative We want to hear from you. As part of the 10,000 MORE Voices programme, we are gathering real experiences from people across Northern Ireland who use equipment to support independent living. Your story helps us understand what matters most to you, and everything you share is private and confidential. 10,000 MORE Voices places people at the centre of health and social care improvement. By sharing your experience, you help us understand what works well, identify challenges or gaps in support, and improve services for others who rely on similar equipment. Your

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has renewed its call for people to make sure their children are fully vaccinated against preventable diseases following the recent outbreak of measles in England. Measles is highly infectious and is caused by a virus that can easily spread between unvaccinated people. There’s no specific medical treatment for measles, so it’s important to get vaccinated as it’s the best protection against becoming seriously unwell. Rachel Spiers, Senior Commissioning Lead for Immunisations at the PHA, said: “Most of the cases of measles in England have been in children under the

Breastfeeding peer support volunteers are playing a key role in supporting and sustaining breastfeeding rates across Northern Ireland. Working alongside health professionals, they provide free, practical and accessible support to new breastfeeding mums in their local communities. Catherine Magennis, Nurse Consultant at the PHA and Lead for Breastfeeding and Family Nurse Partnership, said: "Breastfeeding offers the best start in life – it provides all the nutrients babies need and acts as natural medicine, helping to protect against infections and reducing the risk of long-term health