Ahead of World Contraception Day (26 September), the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding everyone of the importance of contraception. With many free contraception options available across Northern Ireland, the PHA is encouraging people to visit its sexual health website at www.sexualhealthni.info to find out more about what might work for you and where you can access it. Frances Dowds, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “We want to support women to recognise that when it comes to contraception, it’s your body and your choice. The beliefs we hold on

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to ‘Take PRIDE’ in their sexual health during this year’s Belfast Pride Festival and to take up the offer of free vaccination if eligible. Frances Dowds, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “We want to get as many people as possible talking openly about their sexual health – this includes discussing and understanding their options around STI testing and vaccination eligibility. “Taking PRIDE in your sexual health is so important for individual health and wellbeing. Talking openly with our partners about our

The theme of this year’s Sexual Health Week campaign (10-16 February) is having open conversations and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to do just that. Good sexual health is about having safe, positive and respectful experiences and relationships throughout life. To do this, we all need to be able to have open, age appropriate conversations. Talking about sex and sexual wellbeing can help establish healthy relationships due to the confidence that comes from being informed. Speaking about issues such as consent, choice and respect, health and wellbeing can help people

A new Living Well campaign – ‘Looking after your sexual health’ – has been launched in community pharmacies across Northern Ireland, helping to raise awareness of the importance of practising good sexual health. Living Well is offered in over 500 pharmacies across Northern Ireland and provides information and advice on public health issues. It is delivered in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA), Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI), and the Department of Health (DoH). Dr Rachel Coyle, Consultant at the PHA, said: “Sexual health and wellbeing is important, and looking after it can have a

On World Contraception Day (26 September), the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people where they can access contraception, and find out more about the different types available, to help make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health. Dr Rachel Coyle, Consultant at the PHA, said: “Access to both contraception and advice on the different types has never been easier, giving people the information, they need to choose the right contraception for them, allowing them to take control over their fertility and their body.” Whether you are looking for alternative contraception

With society reopening and opportunities for people to meet up and socialise being restored, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to avail of sexual health testing if they are sexually active or intending to become sexually active soon. Dr Gillian Armstrong, Interim Head of Health Protection at the PHA, said: “During the height of the pandemic many Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinics were initially closed to visitors and access to Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) screening became limited for some. The reduction of STI testing and diagnosis noted in 2020 may mean an increase in

This Sexual Health Week (7-11 February) 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. The theme for this year’s Sexual Health Week is ‘Let’s Talk SEX’ because looking after your sexual health can have a positive impact on both your mental and physical wellbeing. Barbara Porter, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “ Sexual relationships should always be consensual, and enjoying that

On World AIDS Day (1 December) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to practise safer sex and get tested early if they have put themselves at risk. A new report from the PHA shows that there are 1,234 people in Northern Ireland living with HIV. The ‘HIV surveillance in Northern Ireland 2021’ data also shows that 60 new cases of HIV were diagnosed here in 2020. The report provides analysis of the HIV data for Northern Ireland in 2020 and trends over the years. Dr Gillian Armstrong , Interim Head of Health Protection in Public Health at the PHA, said: “The report shows a five