Food in school evaluation

The following are seven summary papers detailing findings from an evaluation of the Food in Schools programme, conducted by the Public Health Agency, on behalf of the Food in Schools Forum chaired by the Department of Education (DE) in 2012.

Shingles vaccine: still time to get simple jab which can prevent painful condition

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding all people aged 70 years old that they are still able to receive the shingles vaccine. The vaccine will help protect them against the common and painful skin disease and its complications. However, with just over half of people eligible for the jab actually choosing to receive it, time is running out before their age moves them out of the target groups, which turn over on 1 September each year. Eligibility for the vaccine is determined by a person’s age on 1 September.

Public support is key during World Breastfeeding Week

Next week is World Breastfeeding Week 2016 (1-7 August) and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to show support for mums who breastfeed in public. The theme for the week, which is coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, is “A Key to Sustainable Development” – highlighting how breastfeeding is a key element in getting us to think about valuing wellbeing from the very start of life, respecting each other, caring for the world we share and making best use of our resources.

Can you help prevent the spread of hepatitis on World Hepatitis Day?

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people who think they may be at risk of hepatitis B or C to get tested and prevent the spread on World Hepatitis Day (28 July). Viral hepatitis is a group of infectious diseases known as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. It kills 4,000 people every day worldwide and, although not very common in Northern Ireland, it is estimated 400 million people across the globe are infected. These infections can be prevented, but most people don't know how.

New initiative to tackle drugs on our streets

An initiative known as RAPID (Remove All Prescription and Illegal Drugs), which is helping to remove illegal and prescription drugs from our streets by providing drug disposal bins, is to be rolled out across Northern Ireland after a successful pilot. This new initiative is just the latest in a wide range of coordinated action across agencies to reduce harm from the misuse of alcohol and drugs.

Sarcoma Awareness Month – do you know what to look for?

July is Sarcoma Cancer Awareness Month, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the key signs and symptoms of sarcoma cancer and is urging people to talk to their GP if they think something is wrong. Sarcomas are rare malignant tumours that arise from transformed cells of the connective tissues such as muscle, fat, cartilage or bone. Around 8 out of 10 sarcomas occur in soft tissue although they can affect any part of the body.

Surveillance of Influenza in Northern Ireland 2015-2016

Overall, the 2015/16 influenza season was characterised by low levels of influenza activity in the community, with higher levels of activity in the hospital setting. This season, influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 was the predominant circulating strain (59%), followed by a substantial proportion of influenza B (20%) later in the season. A small number of influenza A (H3) cases were also detected.

Overall, the 2015/16 influenza season was characterised by low levels of influenza activity in the community, with higher levels of activity in the hospital setting. This season, influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 was the predominant circulating strain (59%), followed by a substantial proportion of influenza B (20%) later in the season. A small number of influenza A (H3) cases were also detected.

£2.25million funding to extend the Active School Travel Programme

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard and Health Minister Michelle O’Neill announced joint funding of £2.25million to extend the Active School Travel Programme until 2021. Sustrans has been awarded the contract to deliver the programme for the next five years which is jointly funded by the Department for Infrastructure and the Public Health Agency (PHA).
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