This fun physical activity record sheet outlines the recommended physical activity guidelines for children aged 5 to 18 and includes an easy way for children to keep track of how much physical activity they are getting.

From Sunday 19 April the Department of Health will be releasing the daily statistics on coronavirus (COVID-19) which will be available at

Social distancing essential in battle against coronavirus

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

The newborn blood spot pre-screening information leaflet for parents includes information about sickle cell disorders (SCD) and medium chain acyl coA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) family history. This pre-screening leaflet should be given to all pregnant women by 30 weeks gestation and reissued to parents following delivery, before day five.

Further information about screening and the care of children with SCD is available at:

For professionals:

Produced by the PHA in partnership with the Health and Social Care Board, health professionals, Health and Social Care Trusts and service users in response to a clear need from service users, these resources provide reg

Needle exchanges helping to stop spread of infection

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

NI Regional Hepatitis B&C Managed Clinical Network Annual Report.

This leaflet outlines the issues that women with breast implants need to be aware of when attending for breast screening.

Growth in cancer research funding

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

#LetsTalkSEX – choose to protect yourself and always use a condom

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