Pharmacy education, practice, and research in Northern Ireland: current status and future directions

Northern Ireland, one of the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom (UK), is in the northeastern part of the island of Ireland and shares a border with the Republic of Ireland. The population of Northern Ireland is ~1.9 million, with a relatively young demographic compared with other parts of the UK. Based on the 2021 Census, the median age in Northern Ireland is 39 years, with Belfast being the most populous and densely populated area. Comprehensive demographic information about the population is available from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency [1]. The healthcare system in Northern Ireland is part of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), offering universal healthcare access. Health challenges include high rates of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and mental health issues [2]. The life expectancy in Northern Ireland stands at 78.8 years for men and 82.4 years for women, which is slightly lower than the UK average [3]. The Health Inequalities Annual Report 2024 highlights health inequality gaps between the most and least deprived areas of Northern Ireland, including variations within Health and Social Care Trusts and Local Government Districts [4].