Providing care to children in times of war

Area of Science:

• Military medicine
• International humanitarian law
• Pediatric care

Background:

• The Geneva Conventions mandate healthcare for noncombatants, particularly vulnerable children in conflict zones.
• Providing pediatric care for non-combat-related conditions by Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) is a debated topic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of treating children with nontraumatic conditions at MTFs in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• To assess the alignment of such care with international humanitarian law.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 1,197 children treated for nontraumatic conditions over 10 years in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Analysis of mortality rates and resource utilization.

Main Results:

• Mortality rates were below 1% for patients with surgical conditions.
• Resource utilization was not found to be excessive.
• Outcomes support the provision of care.

Conclusions:

• Children with nontraumatic conditions can be treated at MTFs in conflict zones.
• Treatment decisions should consider the ability to correct the condition and resource availability.
• This practice is consistent with international humanitarian law obligations.