The impact a war can have on global health

It steals essential resources from those who need them to survive. It damages the health infrastructure. It forces people to flee their homes and often live in conditions of extreme need. The indirect consequences of a violent conflict can be extremely large and long-lasting. According to data released by the United Nations, around the world there are currently 70 million displaced by war. A condition that can also have important consequences on health when you cannot find a safe place to sleep, wash and shelter from the elements. Furthermore, the same diet can become precarious and inadequate.
But in addition to affecting physical health, war also negatively affects mental health both those actively involved in the conflict and civilians. The medical-scientific information network News Medical LifeScience took stock of the consequences that a conflict has on global health. Here they are specifically.

The risks for the displaced

Displaced populations are those at greatest risk of contracting diseases, in particular, of an infectious nature. They are subject to a number of factors that contribute to an increased chance of getting sick, including rising levels of poverty and particularly cramped living and working conditions.
Recent studies have highlighted the prevalence of latent tuberculosis (9–45%), active tuberculosis (up to 11%) ed hepatitis B (up to 12%). The highest prevalence was during the conflict in Syria, where the collapse of health systems led to a spike in infectious diseases such as leishmaniasisthe anger and the tuberculosis.

Lack of water, food and sanitation

War inevitably reduces access to clean water, food and sanitation. This further increases the chance of contracting communicable diseases. Elevate the risk of malnutrition and related diseases. Lack of access to clean water can also promote sdevelopment of cholera and other waterborne diseases. Not for nothing, those who are forced to live in conditions in which diseases such as cholera can prevail, and it may be the case of people living in areas actively involved in war, have higher mortality rates than those living in peaceful countries.

Women’s health

The health impacts generated by war are strongly gendered. While men have traditionally been more likely to die or be injured in battle, women are more likely to face major health consequences. Access toobstetric and pediatric assistance, for example, it can become much more difficult. Additionally, limited access to care services can have a significant impact on safety in the event of childbirth.

Children’s health

Children’s health is strongly linked to maternal health. And as previously reported, war can have a significantly damaging impact on a woman’s health, which in turn affects children, especially children born during the conflict. Those born during the war are at a greater risk of having low birth weight, which is associated with an increased risk of infant mortality, poorer health in old age, and developmental childhood problems. Moreover, vaccination schedules are limited during times of armed conflict. This can significantly increase a child’s chances of contracting what are now largely preventable diseases.

Mental health

Finally, many studies have shown that war has a negative impact on the mental health of both those involved in the conflict and civilians. People experiencing war face psychologically difficult situations, are often uprooted from their homes, face food insecurity and the constant fear of death and injury, to name a few. This inevitably causes damage to a person’s psychological well-being and can exacerbate existing problems.