Recent events have brought the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) into the spotlight, particularly as the country faces rising flu cases and a surge in respiratory viruses during the winter months. The agency is grappling with record hospitalizations, prompting calls for increased testing and vaccine booster rollouts. Additionally, the emergence of new variants and the ongoing challenges posed by food poisoning cases have further highlighted the agency's role in public health protection.
The UKHSA was established in April 2021 as a government agency tasked with overseeing public health protection and infectious disease response across the UK. It operates as an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, focusing on enhancing the nation's capability to manage health threats. The agency's responsibilities include monitoring infectious diseases, coordinating responses to health emergencies, and promoting health security measures to safeguard the population.