Description The Health Protection Agency (HPA) focuses on defending the public against health threats in throughout the UK. The HPA researches and develops responses to biological, chemical, infectious disease, poison, radiation, and environmental threats. The agency also performs commercial contract research, development, and pharmaceutical manufacturing services. Working in collaboration with the general public, academia, the NHS, local and national governments, and international health organizations, the HPA provides advice, research-based information, and services to the public, health professionals, and government entities. HPA will become part of Public Health England within the Department of Health in April 2013.