The Public Health Agency (PHA) is aware of the meningitis outbreak recently reported in South East England. The UKHSA is leading the response to the outbreak and there is no increased risk to the population in Northern Ireland. However, it is important for everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and the steps to take if they are concerned. Meningitis is a bacterial infection which can infect both the brain and or cause general septicaemia. Dr Maeve Middleton, Specialty Registrar in Public Health Medicine at the PHA said: “Meningitis can progress very quickly, and its

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding anyone choosing to drink alcohol this St Patrick’s Day to plan ahead and make safer choices. Stephanie Hanlon, Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said: “As people get ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day with their friends and family, we are reminding them to keep an eye on their alcohol intake, should they choose to drink. “You should make a plan and stick to it. This can be difficult when you feel under pressure in a group situation, when peers may say ‘just have one more drink’, but keeping an eye on what your drinking, and letting

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. In Northern Ireland there were 1,019 cases of ovarian cancer (including fallopian tube) diagnosed during 2018 – 2022. This is around 200 cases per year on average. The PHA is urging women to speak to their GP as soon as possible if they notice any of the common symptoms. Dr Tracy Owen, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Ovarian cancer is more common in women who have been through the menopause, usually in those over the age of

Representatives from across the statutory, voluntary and community sectors came together today (5 March) to launch Northern Ireland’s refreshed Infant Mental Health Framework and Action Plan. This plan, announced by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, reaffirms a commitment by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and others to improve interventions from the antenatal period through to babies aged three years old. The conference at which the plan was launched was attended by a wide range of senior representatives from health, education, early years, government and community organisations. Key speakers

NI’s Family Nurse Partnership success inspires international interest A delegation of midwives and government officials from Latvia have visited Northern Ireland to learn from the longstanding and successful delivery of the Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) programme. Introduced in Northern Ireland in 2010, the Family Nurse Partnership is an evidence-based home visiting programme that supports first time young mothers—typically aged 19 and under—from early pregnancy until their child reaches two years of age. Funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and delivered by specially trained family

This is our health is a new public engagement programme led by the Department of Health, with support from the Public Health Agency and HSC partners. Aim of the programme: Its aim is to listen to people and start developing a shared “health and care promise” — an agreement between the public and the HSC system about how we can all play a bigger part, so people can live healthier lives and services can focus their efforts where they are needed most. This programme aims to build a healthier, more resilient Northern Ireland by reshaping how people engage with the health and care system. Our goals

Ahead of International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Awareness Day (Wednesday 4 March), the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of both vaccination and cervical screening to help drive down rates of HPV-related cancers. The HPV vaccine helps to prevent HPV-related cancers from developing in young people. It is a one dose programme which is offered to children in year 9 while at school, making it convenient for parents and kids, and is given as an injection in the upper arm, the same way as many other vaccines. The evidence shows one jab offers excellent and long-lasting

No Smoking Month is fast approaching, and the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are encouraging smokers to ‘Make March Your Month to Quit’. In 2024/25, a total of 9,587 people were reported to have set a quit date through PHA funded stop smoking services in Northern Ireland. This year could be your year to quit for good and join the thousands of people across Northern Ireland making a positive change to improve their health. Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “March is No Smoking Month and a fantastic opportunity to make the commitment to