Ahead of World AIDS Day on 1 December, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging increased public awareness, education and testing to ensure the progress made with HIV continues. Dr Rachel Coyle, Public Health Consultant at the PHA, said: “Earlier this year the PHA was there when Northern Ireland was officially declared a Fast Track Region, signing a declaration aimed at reaching zero new HIV diagnoses by 2030. Fast-Track Cities is a global partnership involving cities and municipalities around the world. “New treatments for HIV can stop transmission and can mean that someone who is

Members of the public are being encouraged to have their say on the direction of public health over coming years as the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) draft Corporate Plan – ‘Preventing, Protecting, Improving; Better health outcomes for everyone’ – goes out for public consultation, running from 28 November 2024 – 28 February 2025. This draft plan sets out the strategic direction for the agency for the next five years and has been developed through engagement with staff, the agency’s board, and colleagues in the Department of Health. Aidan Dawson, Chief Executive of the PHA, said: “Consultation

The Public Health Agency (PHA), Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) and the Western Drug and Alcohol Partnership hosted an event on 6 November 2024 in the Waterfoot Hotel, Derry~Londonderry to present the research findings of a western substance use needs assessment. This research identified local needs within the Western HSC Trust area and regional recommendations to be considered by the Western Drug and Alcohol Partnership, as they continue to work collaboratively across the locality. The event hosted a number of presentations that highlighted some of the significant developments

C onsultation on the draft Public Health Agency (PHA) Corporate Plan 2025-2030 is now live. The draft Corporate Plan, initial draft equality screening, initial draft rural screening and the consultation questionnaire are all available via the PHA Website - Current Consultations section . The consultation will end on 28 February 2025. The draft Corporate Plan 2025-2030 has been developed through engagement with staff and stakeholders alongside review of key strategic documents and drivers including the vision set out by the Minister of Health in Health and Wellbeing 2026: Delivering Together

Community pharmacies across Northern Ireland are offering advice and support on a wide range of winter illnesses to help us stay well during the colder months. The Living Well initiative 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). The latest Living Well campaign highlights actions you can take to protect your health over the winter months and the support available to you through your