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About the Public Health Agency (PHA)

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.

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

On average two people die every week in Northern Ireland as a result of an accident in the home. More accidents happen in the home than anywhere else.

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

This card highlights the fact that smokers are four times more likely to quit successfully if they have support and signposts the public to the website www.stopsmokingni.info where they can f

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

PHA draft corporate plan: stakeholder consultation events

During the live 12 week consultation period for the draft Public Health Agency (PHA) Corporate Plan 2025-2030 two in-person stakeholder events will be held to give you the opportunity to collaborate on this important strategy. In-person stakeholder consultation events Date: Monday 13 January 2025 Tuesday 21 January 2025 Time 2.00pm to 4.00pm 10.30am to 12.30pm Location: Involve NI 16-18 Queen Street Magherafelt BT45 6AB Lagan Valley Island 1 The Island Lisburn BT27 4RL This draft Plan sets out the strategic direction for the PHA for the next five years in terms of what we will do and how we

This poster encourages pregnant women to get their vaccines against whooping cough (pertussis) and RSV (respiratory syncyctial virus) to help protect their baby in the first few months.