Public Health Agency (PHA) is rolling out a mass media campaign aimed at improving and protecting people’s sexual health and wellbeing. This comes as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to rise in Northern Ireland. In 2021, there was a 47% increase in the overall number of STI tests carried out compared with before the pandemic in 2019. This is due to a significant increase in home STI testing, commissioned by the health service. Ten percent of these home tests were positive, and this positivity rate has not fallen with the increased testing, which would suggest that people are

As we approach World Cancer Day on Saturday 4 February, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the signs and symptoms of cancer and encouraging people to seek medical advice from their GP if they have concerns. Dr Louise Herron, Consultant in Public Health at the PHA, said that the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chances of survival as treatment is more likely to be successful. “Changes to your body’s normal processes or unusual, unexplained symptoms can sometimes be an early sign of cancer,” Dr Herron said. “It is important to be body aware and take action if you notice

The future of antibiotics depends on all of us using them carefully. It is important that we are aware of the impact of Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and the steps we can all take to reduce the risk it poses to us. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is therefore reminding everyone to help keep antibiotics working for bacterial infections by only using them when prescribed by a healthcare professional and making sure to finish taking the full course of antibiotics. Dr Judith Ewing, Consultant at the PHA, said: “This winter we have seen an increase in bacterial infections, in particular scarlet

A new campaign from the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging anyone with feelings of anxiety or distress, or who is in crisis, to start the conversation about their thoughts and feelings. The ‘Talking really helps’ campaign on TV, radio, social media, outdoor, print and digital advertising, encourages anyone feeling low and struggling to cope to talk to someone they trust and not to hide their feelings. The TV adverts show people putting on a brave face when talking to others but then reveals their true feelings when on their own and they are not fine or they can barely cope, and how

Attending for cervical screening could save your life – that’s the message from the Public Health Agency (PHA) this Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (23-29 January). Between 2016 and 2020 in Northern Ireland there was an average of 81 people diagnosed with cervical cancer each year and around 21 deaths per year. “Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that are preventable and it is estimated that in a well-screened population, eight out of ten cervical cancers can be prevented,” Dr Tracy Owen, Interim Assistant Director of Public Health, Screening and Professional Standards at the PHA, said

One million winter vaccines – over 500,000 each of the COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine – have been delivered so far this season. The Public Health Agency (PHA) has thanked those who have chosen to get vaccinated, but warned that these respiratory illnesses still pose a risk and is urging anyone who is eligible but has not yet been vaccinated to make arrangements to do so, as it’s not too late. Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “This is a really important milestone for the programme and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has received a

The Public Health Agency (PHA) in partnership with local councils is issuing advice on how you can take measures to reduce your risk of falls at home this winter. In 2020 there were 251 deaths associated with falls, out of a total of 349 accidental deaths in people aged 65+. This represents 72% of accidental (unintentional injury) deaths in that age group* in Northern Ireland. “Falls can result in pain, injury and sadly sometimes death,” Janine Gaston, Interim Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said. “It is therefore important to identify risk factors for falls and we

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has today [Monday 16 January] launched a public consultation on services for those who have been bereaved by suicide. The 12-week consultation runs until Sunday 9 April with opportunities to get involved at in-person and virtual engagement sessions or through an online survey. Fiona Teague, Head of Health Improvement at the PHA, said: “Given the impact that suicide has on families and communities, the PHA recognises how important it is to regularly review services that are in place to provide support, and how essential it is to listen to the views of people who