What we do

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is responsible for providing health protection and health and social wellbeing improvement to every member of every community in Northern Ireland. We are committed to addressing the causes and associated inequalities of preventable ill-health and lack of wellbeing. 
The Public Health Agency was established in April 2009 as part of the reforms to Health and Social Care (HSC) in Northern Ireland. We are a multi-disciplinary, multi-professional body with a strong regional and local presence. 

Directorates

The PHA operates under a framework of three functional areas: Public Health, Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, and Operations, in order to carry out our mandate to safeguard public health, promote public health and social welfare, and reduce inequalities in health and social wellbeing. Our corporate and business plans reflect these arrangements and our purpose as an organisation. Access our Directorates and Service Areas here  

Latest

  • Image of woman holding her stomach with added text 'Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month' 'March 2024'

    Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: be aware of the signs and symptoms

    - News
    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. From 2016 – 2020, there were around 200 cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed in Northern Ireland
  • Healthy choices. Choose wisely: Advice for parents

    Healthy choices. Choose wisely: advice for parents

    - Publication
    This booklet shows how parents and carers of primary school children can choose food from the different food groups to make sure their family is getting all the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
  • lamb

    Important advice for pregnant women during lambing season

    - News
    With the first lambs appearing in the fields, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding pregnant women about the risk of close contact with sheep during lambing season. The PHA is advising women who are, or think they may be, pregnant to reduce

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