02792nas a2200193 4500000000100000008004100001260003400042653005700076653002100133653002000154100001200174700001400186245006000200856026000260300001400520490000700534520203200541022002502573 2019 d bOxford University Press (OUP) 10 aPublic Health, Environmental and Occupational Health 10 aGeneral Medicine 10 aArmed Conflicts 1 aGarry S 1 aChecchi F 00 aArmed conflict and public health: into the 21st century uhttps://watermark.silverchair.com/fdz095.pdf?token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_Ercy7Dm3ZL_9Cf3qfKAc485ysgAAAqwwggKoBgkqhkiG9w0BBwagggKZMIIClQIBADCCAo4GCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQMKbeqM2IAf1C6AynDAgEQgIICX0AQNEsPLuYkwj5p8kqWGMHsAdo6yY3pNuLD-Msext5sP-dV ae287-e298 0 v42 3 aAbstract
Background
Many people worldwide are affected by conflict, and countries affected are less likely to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This review outlines the effects of conflict on health and focuses on areas requiring more attention.
Methods
We completed a search of the literature using Medline, Embase and Global Health.
Results
Health effects of conflict include trauma; mental health; non-communicable diseases (NCDs); child health; sexual, reproductive and maternal health; and infectious diseases. Conflict damages health directly through fighting, and indirectly through wider socioeconomic effects. Health outcomes are influenced by pre-existing population health and demographics, and access to appropriate healthcare. Vulnerable populations (the elderly, children, neonates and women) are especially at risk.
Conclusion
Several areas pose key challenges including: tactics of war as a public health problem; a lack of focus on neonatal care and NCDs; the long-term consequences of conflict across a life-course and into future generations; and the need to focus on wellbeing beyond standard health parameters. Clear decisions about prioritisation need to be made. The effects on civilians must be documented and recorded. Further research is required to understand chronic health needs and effects on future generations, to support fair and equitable resource prioritisation to best meet the needs of conflict-affected populations.
a1741-3842, 1741-3850