A total of 33,992 visits were made to needle and syringe exchange schemes (NSES) during 2018-19, helping to stop the spread of infection from drug-related litter and sharing of equipment. The figures released by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) show a 13% increase in visits to NSES compared to the 2017-18 figures. Michael Owen, the PHA’s Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol, said: “The increase in demand for the service demonstrates a need for the scheme, evidence that people are listening to our advice to use the support available and good use of a service

New figures from the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) show that cancer research funding by NCRI partners has reached £700m for the first time, following five years of increased spending. This is the highest level of cancer research funding since 2002. The Public Health Agency spent over £2.4m on research in this period. This increase in cancer research funding was driven by a 9% increase in spend in Early Detection, Diagnosis and Prognosis research. Research into Treatment and Cancer Control, Survivorship, and Outcomes Research received less funding than in previous years. For more

The theme for this year’s Sexual Health Week (10 – 14th Feb) is ‘Let’s Talk SEX’ because looking after your sexual health can have a positive impact on both your mental and physical wellbeing. The Public Health Agency (PHA), along with the Sexual Health Improvement Network (SHIN), is urging everyone to talk openly about relationships and sex with their partners, friends and children to normalise how we view these issues. Barbara Porter, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “Enjoying a sexual relationship can be very rewarding and satisfying when it is consensual

New figures from the Public Health Agency (PHA) show that the Take Home Naloxone programme has seen naloxone administered 240 times in 2018-19 and has been successful in reversing an opiate overdose in over 90% of cases. Naloxone, supplied in a small syringe, is injected intramuscularly and can be administered by anyone in an emergency overdose situation. Over the past five years, Take Home Naloxone has been successful in reversing 435 opiate overdoses. The Public Health Agency, with support from the Health and Social Care Board, coordinates the Take Home Naloxone programme. Michael Owen, the

Today [4 February] is World Cancer Day and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the signs and symptoms of cancer and encouraging people to seek medical advice without delay if they are concerned. Statistics show there were on average around 9,400 people diagnosed with cancer each year between 2013-17 (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). Dr Louise Herron, Consultant in Public Health at the PHA, said that the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chances of survival as treatment is more likely to be successful. “It can be difficult to talk about cancer, but by discussing it

Zarah Reid, 7, from Omagh was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes three years ago, after her mum noticed a number of symptoms, including being tired and going to the toilet a lot. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented and occurs when the pancreas is no longer able to produce insulin. It is the most common type of diabetes in children and young adults. Zarah’s mum Lorraine explains: “She was a perfectly healthy four year old. She went to nursery school and was just like all the other little girls. “The first thing we noticed was that she started to have meltdowns for no reason. I know all young