Public Health Agency was informed at the weekend of the very sudden and tragic death of an eighteen year old male from Ballycastle. His most likely cause of death was Meningococcal Septicaemia. All appropriate public health actions have been taken and prophylactic medication has been organised for close contacts.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a physical activity campaign to encourage our children to be more active. Research shows 82% of parents believe their child is getting the recommended daily amount or more, of physical activity, but the reality is that less than a quarter (24%) of 9 -11 years olds take part in the recommended 60 minutes physical activity, 7 days a week. ¹יּ²

Statement issued jointly by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust and the Public Health Agency

Residents from Derrybeg Community Association in Newry have received funding from the Southern Investing for Health Partnership (SIHP). The SIHP is a committee of the Public Health Agency and covers the council areas of Armagh, Newry and Mourne, Dungannon, Cragiavon and Banbridge. Its Neighborhood and Environmental Issue Group awarded the funding to the Association to help clean up a large area of grass and footpaths within the local community that have become overgrown and inaccessible to the residents.

In Northern Ireland over 127,000 children bring their own food to school so it is important to ensure that food is both appetising and is good for health. Recent surveys looking at children’s lunchboxes revealed that they are often too high in fat, salt and sugar, with just under half of the lunchboxes containing no fruit. ¹’²