Public health news

New data shows decline in smoking rates in Birmingham

New figures from the ONS, show that the smoking prevalence in Birmingham is at a record low of 12.2%, down from 13.6% (-1.4) in 2023, with rates reducing from 10.9% down to 10.4% (-0.5) nationally.

Published 10th November 2025.

Birmingham City Council invests in local stop smoking support

Birmingham Public Health has expanded community stop smoking services through the Smokefree Generation grant, marking a major step forward in the national journey towards becoming smokefree by 2030.

Published 16th September 2025.

First ever Birmingham Suicide Prevention Week launches with library exhibition

Birmingham’s inaugural Suicide Prevention Week has launched with an exhibition at the Library of Birmingham honouring those lost to suicide while also encouraging open conversations about the topic.

Published 9th September 2025.

Measles: Protect yourself, your family and your community

Measles cases have been increasing across the West Midlands.

Published 6th June 2025.

Test to protect: Know your risk this World TB Day

On World TB Day (March 24th), Birmingham City Council is urging communities in the city to understand their risk of contracting tuberculosis (TB) and how to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Published 24th March 2025.

New Director of Public Health appointed for Birmingham

Birmingham City Council has appointed a new Director of Public Health.

Published 12th February 2025.

Government announces 3% boost to the public health grant for Birmingham in 2025/26

Birmingham’s annual settlement to fund public health services has been announced to be £108 million in 2025/26. This confirms an increase to the existing annual public health grant of 3%.

Published 7th February 2025.

Library lights up purple for World Hepatitis Day

Drop-in sessions to raise awareness of hepatitis will take place at the Library of Birmingham this month, ahead of the building’s iconic façade being illuminated in purple to mark World Hepatitis Day.

Published 18th July 2024.

Birmingham supports HIV Testing Week with an awareness and testing campaign for blood-borne viruses

A Fast Track Cities+ campaign supported by Birmingham City Council, University Hospitals Birmingham and other partners encouraging people to test for blood-borne viruses starts on Monday 6 February.

Published 1st February 2023.

City council invite residents to say ‘no’ to fizzy drinks during Fizz-Free February

Birmingham City Council in partnership with health and voluntary organisations, are launching campaign in February to help persuade people to swap sugar-laden fizzy drinks for healthier alternatives.

Published 1st February 2023.

City council addresses community experiences around clinical care in new pregnancy and infant mortality report

Birmingham City Council in partnership with health and voluntary organisations, publish a report highlighting the lived experiences and recommendations to make healthier choices in women’s pregnancy.

Published 21st December 2022.

Fast Track City partners unveils ‘Red Ribbons’ AIDS and HIV Memorial

Birmingham’s Fast Track City partners are set to unveil a memorial to honour those lost to AIDS and living with HIV.

Published 30th November 2022.

Dr David Nabarro headline speaker at international summit on sustainable food futures at Birmingham 2022

Trade summit focussed on healthy and sustainable food futures to take place at UK House.

Published 19th July 2022.

Birmingham City Council develop communication campaign to support disadvantaged communities

The council’s Public Health Division have developed a communication and engagement campaign to further support BAME, disabled and LGBT communities across the city during the coronavirus pandemic.

Published 4th June 2020.

Confirmed case of COVID-19 in Birmingham

It has been confirmed that a patient in Birmingham has tested positive for COVID-19.

Published 5th March 2020.

Coronavirus update - 26 February 2020

Birmingham City Council continues to work closely with the local NHS and Public Health England to monitor the emerging global situation and prepare for escalation.

Published 26th February 2020.

Ditch the sugary drinks and try Fizz Free February

Birmingham residents, especially families with young children, are being encouraged to ditch sugary drinks and take part in Fizz Free February.

Published 30th January 2020.

Birmingham joins Partnership for Health Cities

Birmingham City Council announces new plans to increase safe and active mobility for all citizens as part of a global network of cities

Published 16th December 2019.

Henry Dimbleby launches Birmingham Food Conversation

Co-founder of food chain Leon, Henry Dimbleby, is spending the day in the city to launch the Birmingham Food Conversation, which will feed into a national food strategy.

Published 22nd October 2019.

Funding awarded to Birmingham to help those affected by alcohol

Efforts in Birmingham to increase the number of people accessing free support for alcohol problems have received a boost following a funding award from Public Health England

Published 24th April 2019.

New Director of Public Health appointed

A national strategic advisor to Public Health England has been appointed as Director of Public Health at Birmingham City Council.

Published 12th February 2019.

天美影院

Birmingham wins prestigious national award for innovative food partnership