Health Protection Agency


Health Protection Agency

An independent, UK Department of Health-funded agency created by central Government in 2003 to protect the general public from threats to their health from infectious diseases and environmental hazards, including toxic chemicals, hazardous waste or radiation, by providing advice and information to the public, to health professionals such as doctors and nurses, and to national and local government. The HPA plays a central role in preparedness for new and emerging threats, such as bio-terrorism or a virulent new strain of disease.