Spotlight on UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is responsible for protecting the nation’s health by preparing for, preventing, and responding to infectious diseases and environmental hazards. These health threats we protect against range in type, scale, and intensity: from pathogens with pandemic potential to everyday infections such as measles or hepatitis A; from chemical threats such as carbon monoxide or lead through to extreme weather events such as flooding.

As one of the nine regional offices, the South West Health Protection Team within UKHSA work closely with health partners and other agencies across the SW region to keep our communities safe. We monitor local disease data, investigate, and respond to health protection threats including contact tracing, lead on management and control of outbreaks and provide specialist public health advice and guidance to partners and the public. We also have a role in contributing to regional and national emergency planning arrangements, so the country is ready to respond to future health threats and emergencies.

Here are some examples of the work we have managed this year:

• A rise in measles cases across the Bristol and Gloucestershire areas
• Flu outbreaks in care homes and the need for antivirals and infection control advice to protect those most vulnerable
• Risk assessment of active Tuberculosis cases resulting in screening of contacts in workplace and educational settings
• Reducing transmission of gastrointestinal illness within nurseries and pre schools
• Undertaking contact tracing following an imported case of Lassa fever.

Our mission is clear; to save lives, protect livelihoods and build resilience against health threats – both now and for generations to come.