Health systems and individuals across the island of Ireland will benefit from the appointment of a new leader for Cochrane Ireland – a venture which will actively promote the use of the best available research evidence to inform decision-making about health.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is marking European Immunisation Week (22–26 April 2014) by celebrating the excellent childhood immunisation uptake levels being achieved in Northern Ireland, which are well above the UK average. Many childhood diseases which were common in Northern Ireland prior to the introduction of vaccination have been dramatically reduced or have disappeared altogether, such as polio, diphtheria, tetanus, measles and several types of meningitis.

The switchboard number for the PHA’s Headquarters at Linenhall Street, Belfast changed on Monday 28 April, 2014. The new number is 0300 555 0114* and should now be used. The old switchboard number (028 9032 1313) is no longer live.

10,000 Voices, a Public Health Agency (PHA) initiative which gives the people of Northern Ireland an opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences of accessing Health and Social Care services, has passed a key milestone with over 3,000 patients, clients and families telling their story.

This week the Easter holidays start and many families will be thinking of heading off camping, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people of the danger of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from leaving lit or smouldering barbecues inside tents or caravans. Many people are already aware that fossil fuels and wood, when burnt without enough oxygen, create high levels of CO. However, the PHA is concerned that campers may not be aware of the risks involved with taking lit or smouldering barbecues inside tents, awnings or caravans.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is a partner in a €3.5 million EU research grant, led by University College Cork (UCC), to develop a new standard in crisis management which is capable of operating across borders.

World Health Day is celebrated on 7 April every year and this year the topic is ‘small bite, big threat’. In Northern Ireland the small bite, big threat is tick-borne Lyme disease, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding the public that you can protect against Lyme disease by taking some simple preventive measures.

A small group of Somali women have been putting down roots in Northern Ireland and have been developing their artistic skills in a pioneering project delivered by ArtsEkta for the Public Health Agency (PHA).