2023 is a significant milestone for the Institute of Public Health, which this year marks 25 years of working towards healthier populations in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Established prior to the signing of the Good Friday / Belfast Agreement in 1998, the Institute was set up to provide support on public health policy to the respective Departments of Health and Chief Medical Officers in both jurisdictions.

Our primary goal is promoting health and wellbeing, improving health equity, and reducing health inequalities on the island of Ireland.

A key aspect of our work involves assessing and reviewing current evidence to inform public policy in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Over the past 25 years, the Institute has provided evidence and made recommendations on a wide range of public health issues, from the achievements and challenges of living healthily for longer, tackling health inequalities, tobacco control, alcohol policy, to new and emerging risks to health, such as, climate change.

Established as a North South body, partnership working is a key priority for the Institute, which collaborates with local, national and global partners in the health community.

Since 1998, significant progress has been made in key public health policy areas but considerable challenges remain and there is much to do.

Throughout 2023, the Institute will share some key milestones from the past 25 years to highlight its contribution to shaping public health policy and, ultimately, helping to create healthier populations on the island of Ireland.