What we do

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is responsible for providing health protection and health and social wellbeing improvement to every member of every community in Northern Ireland. We are committed to addressing the causes and associated inequalities of preventable ill-health and lack of wellbeing. 
The Public Health Agency was established in April 2009 as part of the reforms to Health and Social Care (HSC) in Northern Ireland. We are a multi-disciplinary, multi-professional body with a strong regional and local presence. 

Directorates

The PHA operates under a framework of three functional areas: Public Health, Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, and Operations, in order to carry out our mandate to safeguard public health, promote public health and social welfare, and reduce inequalities in health and social wellbeing. Our corporate and business plans reflect these arrangements and our purpose as an organisation. Access our Directorates and Service Areas here  

Latest

  • Pictured (L-R) Garrett Maguire from Maguire Pharmacy in Bangor along with the PHA's Jeni Rosborough and Maeve Middleton, launch the Living Well service - 'Cancer screening saves lives' campaign.

    ‘Cancer screening saves lives’ Living Well campaign launched

    - News
    As part of the Living Well service, community pharmacies are highlighting the importance of attending for screening when invited. The ‘Cancer screening saves lives’ campaign will run in over 500 community pharmacies throughout April and May and aims
  • World TB Day

    Tuberculosis is still a public health threat

    - News
    Ahead of World TB Day on Sunday 24 March, new figures from the Public Health Agency (PHA) have revealed a steady increase in cases of tuberculosis (TB) in Northern Ireland since 2020. There were 77 cases of TB notified to the PHA in 2023, an increase
  • Rubella leaflet cover showing smiling pregnant woman dressed in royal blue

    Rubella - What your positive screening result means (English and translations)

    - Publication
    This leaflet for women provides updated information on rubella and how to get vaccinated so it is not passed on during pregnancy. Rubella, otherwise known as German measles, can be very serious for the unborn baby in the first three months of

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