COVID-19: What is the situation in Northern Ireland?

What is the situation in Northern Ireland? From Sunday 19 April the Department of Health will be releasing the daily statistics on coronavirus (COVID-19) which will be available at www.health-ni.gov.uk The daily update from the Department of Health replaces the Daily Bulletin published by the PHA up to 19 April 2020. The Public Health Agency COVID-19 advice page can be found here. Previous surveillance reports can be found here. Information sources As this situation is rapidly changing the most up-to-date guidance can be found on the Public Health England website: www.gov.uk/government

From one mum to another: how breastfeeding peer support volunteers are making a difference

Breastfeeding peer support volunteers are playing a key role in supporting and sustaining breastfeeding rates across Northern Ireland. Working alongside health professionals, they provide free, practical and accessible support to new breastfeeding mums in their local communities. Catherine Magennis, Nurse Consultant at the PHA and Lead for Breastfeeding and Family Nurse Partnership, said: "Breastfeeding offers the best start in life – it provides all the nutrients babies need and acts as natural medicine, helping to protect against infections and reducing the risk of long-term health

Sexual health advice – who do you listen to?

Getting advice from reliable sources and not listening to unverifiable information is essential for our sexual health, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has said. During Sexual Health Week (14-21 February), the PHA is using the theme of ‘Sexual health information: who do you listen to?’ to encourage people to visit reliable health websites and talk to healthcare professionals for accurate information. Frances Dowds, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “Your sexual health and wellbeing is important. Looking after it can have a positive impact on both your mental and

Live Better initiative: PHA evaluation summary

The aims of the evaluation were to describe the development and implementation of Live Better, assess the effectiveness of partnership working, examine barriers and facilitators to delivery, determine the impact of activities..

The aims of the evaluation were to describe the development and implementation of Live Better, assess the effectiveness of partnership working, examine barriers and facilitators to delivery, determine the impact of activities to pr

Live Better initiative: PHA recommendations

The PHA led on the planning, delivery and evaluation of the ‘Live Better’ initiative launched by the Minister for Health in July 2024. 

In September 2025, facilitated stakeholder feedback workshops were held to recognise work completed, shar

The PHA led on the planning, delivery and evaluation of the ‘Live Better’ initiative launched by the Minister for Health in July 2024.

Reducing the risk of sudden infant death: SIDS risk assessment tool for professionals

This risk assessment tool is for use by midwives, family nurses, GPs, social care and health visitors. It has been developed using the evidence base regarding sudden infant death and associated risk factors.

This risk assessment tool is for use by midwives, family nurses, GPs, social care and health visitors. It has been developed using the evidence base regarding sudden infant death and associated risk factors.

Children’s Mental Health Week: listen and support young people

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging parents, carers, schools and communities to play an active role in supporting children and young people during Children’s Mental Health Week (9-15 February). This year’s theme, “This is My Place,” highlights the importance of belonging and connection for mental wellbeing with families, schools and communities encouraged to create inclusive and nurturing environments where children and young people feel they belong. Having a safe and supportive environment is essential for emotional resilience and the PHA is encouraging everyone to take steps that help

Promoting safer sleeping for infants and reducing the risk of sudden infant death: guidance for professionals

This guidance includes current evidence-based advice that should be discussed with parents/carers when addressing safer sleeping. It aims to provide health practitioners with information that promotes standardised practice.

This guidance includes current evidence-based advice that should be discussed with parents/carers when addressing safer sleeping. It aims to provide health practitioners with information that promotes

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