The future of antibiotics depends on all of us using them properly, so during of World Antibiotics Awareness Week (18-24 November) the Public Health Agency (PHA) has joined with the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Veterinary Officer in asking everyone to help prevent antimicrobial resistance. CMO Professor Sir Michael McBride said: “Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious and growing global public health concern. The use of antibiotics is essential for saving lives, and without effective antibiotics, even minor surgery and routine operations could become high risk procedures due to the

Community, voluntary and statutory organisations are launching new resources to raise awareness of suicide prevention and bereavement services across Belfast. The launch event for a new information leaflet and video is being organised by Belfast Protect Life Implementation Group (BPLIG) which is funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA). It is open to the public and will take place on Tuesday 22 November at Belfast City Hall, at 12 noon. The new leaflet will mean anyone who needs to access services for suicide and bereavement will have all the information in one place. The new video highlights

This year it is recommend that pregnant women receive the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 autumn booster. As respiratory winter illnesses are starting to circulate, making the decision about getting vaccinated is more important than ever. Reading up about the vaccines through reliable sources such as the NHS or speaking to a healthcare provider will eliminate some of the worry you may be feeling, mum of three Naomh explains. “These last couple of years have been unprecedented. I for one never thought I would experience such a pandemic in my lifetime never mind negotiate the added worries of

The latest sexual health figures released today by the Public Health Agency (PHA) show an overall increase in both testing and diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) 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 home tests were positive, and this positivity rate has not fallen with the increased testing, which would suggest that people are being tested appropriately and

This Lung Cancer Awareness Month (November) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people not to delay in contacting their doctor as soon as they have any concerns about possible symptoms of lung cancer. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers among both men and women in Northern Ireland with over 1,300 cases diagnosed every year. Dr Kirsty Kapande Public Health Registrar with the PHA said: “Being aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer is important. When it comes to the early detection of cancer, the best thing you can do is listen to your body. In most cases, it is likely to

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a mass media public information campaign and pharmacy-focused awareness programme to encourage uptake of winter vaccines across eligible groups. The winter vaccination programme, which includes the COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine, is under way across Northern Ireland, and getting both vaccines can help protect the public and our health service over the coming winter. The vaccines help to prolong protection already received from initial COVID-19 vaccinations, while the flu vaccine is needed every year as the antibodies that protect against flu

Ulster GAA has become the latest organisation to join the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme – a programme that aims to increase the number of premises which actively show support to breastfeeding mums. This new membership represents a huge support network to breastfeeding mums here and will involve over 300 clubs. In joining this scheme, Ulster GAA has agreed that: breastfeeding is acceptable in all areas of a club’s premises open to the general public a mother who is breastfeeding in an area of the club’s premises open to the general public will not be asked to