As 2025 concludes, I wish to express my sincere gratitude for your unwavering commitment to keeping health promotion, prevention, early intervention, and the addressing of health inequalities at the forefront of our work. The impactful programs delivered this year are a testament to the collaborative efforts of our Regional Health Promotion and Improvement teams, community and voluntary partners, and various statutory bodies.
We navigated significant challenges early in the year, but we also celebrated many triumphs.
Our 2025 Highlights:
Mental Health: In May, we launched the online Balancing Stress programme, developed with HSE Psychology, to help people manage everyday stress.
Tobacco Control: The Financial Incentives to Stop Smoking (FISS) pilot scheme commenced in March, supporting the most vulnerable to quit smoking with voucher incentives. In June, Dublin hosted the World Conference on Tobacco Control, which showcased Irish initiatives (financial incentives, We Can Quit, maternity services, and the Irish Prison Service) addressing health inequalities.
Physical Activity: We launched the updated National Physical Activity Guidelines, Every Move Counts, to include pregnant and postpartum women and people living with chronic conditions.
Sexual Health: The National Health Promotion Conference in Galway focused on the launch of Ireland’s new National Sexual Health Strategy 2025-2035. This comprehensive framework sets ambitious goals for improving sexual health outcomes with a strong focus on equity.
Health Equity: October saw the inaugural Sláintecare Healthy Communities National Conference, bringing together stakeholders from health, local government, and community sectors. Four new areas have been added to the programme, demonstrating a continued commitment to community-based initiatives.
Communication and Engagement: Throughout the year, our webinar series kept stakeholders connected and informed on topics such as the launch of the HSE Health & Wellbeing 2024 Annual Report, Men’s Health Week, and the HSE Public Health Strategy 2025-2030, which launched just last week. Our HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast continued throughout 2025, with a key highlight—our Suicide Bereavement episode—being shortlisted for two Shine Media Awards 2025.
Finally, to you, our readers, thank you for your ongoing support and engagement. We hope you continue to find value in the work we share, and we look forward to continuing our collaborative engagement in 2026.
Helen