The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to follow the advice on social distancing as an essential part of slowing the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and saving lives. Dr Hugo Van Woerden, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to practise social distancing as a key step in saving lives. The guidance to socially distance ourselves from others applies to everyone. We should all be taking steps to reduce social interaction between people in order to reduce the transmission of coronavirus. “Every one of us has a role to play in this

A total of 33,992 visits were made to needle and syringe exchange schemes (NSES) during 2018-19, helping to stop the spread of infection from drug-related litter and sharing of equipment. The figures released by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) show a 13% increase in visits to NSES compared to the 2017-18 figures. Michael Owen, the PHA’s Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol, said: “The increase in demand for the service demonstrates a need for the scheme, evidence that people are listening to our advice to use the support available and good use of a service

New figures from the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) show that cancer research funding by NCRI partners has reached £700m for the first time, following five years of increased spending. This is the highest level of cancer research funding since 2002. The Public Health Agency spent over £2.4m on research in this period. This increase in cancer research funding was driven by a 9% increase in spend in Early Detection, Diagnosis and Prognosis research. Research into Treatment and Cancer Control, Survivorship, and Outcomes Research received less funding than in previous years. For more

The theme for this year’s Sexual Health Week (10 – 14th Feb) is ‘Let’s Talk SEX’ because looking after your sexual health can have a positive impact on both your mental and physical wellbeing. The Public Health Agency (PHA), along with the Sexual Health Improvement Network (SHIN), is urging everyone to talk openly about relationships and sex with their partners, friends and children to normalise how we view these issues. Barbara Porter, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “Enjoying a sexual relationship can be very rewarding and satisfying when it is consensual