The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urgently advising parents planning summer getaways to ensure their children are vaccinated as measles cases have seen a dramatic rise in recent months, affecting 17 popular holiday destinations across Europe according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Louise Flanagan, Consultant in Public Health at the PHA, said: “The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is by getting the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. You should plan to be fully vaccinated against measles at least two weeks before you depart. If your trip

Dessie Lowry from Limavady decided to incorporate more physical activity into his work day by bringing his bicycle to work and going for a cycle as part of the Active Travel Challenge (ATC). The 64-year-old Nursing Consultant at the Public Health Agency (PHA) says getting active on the commute to work has benefitted both his physical and mental health. Dessie said: “I really enjoy getting active on the commute. I would cycle on the greenway adjacent to my workplace a few days per week, and when I need to attend meetings in Belfast I would also use public transport. “When I travel actively, I

This Cervical Screening Awareness Week [17–23 June], the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging young women to go for their screening, as it is revealed while nearly two-thirds do attend when invited, those who don’t are missing out on a potentially life-saving opportunity. In Northern Ireland, cervical screening is available to women and other people with a cervix aged 25–64. At the end of March 2023, just 60% of women aged 25-29 had come forward for a screening test within the previous five years, while 71% of those eligible overall had attended. Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at

During Infant Mental Health Awareness Week (10-16 June) the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the National Children’s Bureau have published a new report to showcase the wide range of programmes and services working to support infants and their families in Northern Ireland. The report, ‘Insights in infant mental health in Northern Ireland’, highlights the types of services available, how they are supporting families and their priorities for future service delivery. The report has been written by the National Children’s Bureau on behalf of the PHA. Bryan Leonard, Regional Lead for Early Years at

This Bike Week (10–16 June) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to get cycling and reap the many benefits of getting active. Gerard Walls, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Officer at the PHA, said: “Cycling is a fun and interactive way to get moving and incorporate more physical activity into your routine. Being physically active has so many benefits including reduced stress and anxiety, helps maintain a healthy weight, and can reduce your risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, some cancers, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. “Not only is it good for your health

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Hospitality Ulster have launched a new factsheet to help the food and drink industry understand and improve the lives of people with swallowing difficulties. Dysphagia is the medical term for eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties and it can affect people at any stage of their lives. It can often occur alongside a range of medical conditions, including, dementia, cancer, stroke, some mental health conditions, Parkinson’s disease and learning disabilities. Dysphagia can impact people’s quality of life and their experience of socialising in restaurants

A new campaign focussing on the importance of getting the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine has been launched in community pharmacies across Northern Ireland, as the total laboratory confirmed cases of measles in Northern Ireland stands at 11. The MMR campaign highlights the importance of vaccination in protecting against measles, mumps and rubella which are highly infectious viruses that can easily spread between unvaccinated people. The campaign is running in community pharmacies throughout June and July as part of the Living Well service. Living Well is offered in over 500 pharmacies

Community and voluntary groups are being encouraged to apply for a short-term funding programme that focuses on improving mental health and emotional wellbeing. The Public Health Agency (PHA) initiative which aims to address health and wellbeing needs in local communities, is now open, with groups having until 3pm on Friday 21 June to submit applications. Fiona Teague, Regional Lead for Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing at PHA, said: “Community and voluntary organisations are most acutely aware of the issues that affect people on the ground and this short-term funding programme will give

One year on from the introduction of Dáithi’s Law, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the increase in the number of donors and families supporting organ donation. Saturday 1 June marks one year since the Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 came into effect in Northern Ireland. Known as ‘Dáithí’s Law’ in recognition of s even year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann – who has been on the waiting list for a heart transplant since 2018 - t he law means that adults in NI are considered potential organ donors unless they choose to opt in or opt out, or are in an