War and Health: the devastating impact of conflict on Wellbeing and Humanitarian Crises

Health is a precious asset, essential for both individuals and communities. The wars that have affected various parts of the world in recent years have had a detrimental impact on health, leading to malnutrition and an increased vulnerability to epidemic diseases among the population, especially the poorest. Hospitals and healthcare facilities themselves have become primary strategic targets in many war zones. The destruction of infrastructure and hospitals, along with challenges in obtaining clean water and access to medicines, has contributed to the resurgence of epidemic diseases in countries where they had been eradicated. Additionally, the difficulty in ensuring vaccination programs for children raises the risk of these diseases spreading to areas typically free from them. The authors reflect on the consequences of wars on the health of populations and the close link between health and peace, presenting the latest data on ongoing epidemics in countries affected by war.