Implications of War and Healthcare

At the time of writing this editorial, Russia had just invaded Ukraine shattering decades of relative peace in Europe. Whatever the politics about the decision to go to war, it inevitably results in a marked decline in healthcare given to the people.

There is a marked increase in injuries from trauma and this combined with destruction of infrastructure and scarcity of supplies means the available healthcare becomes rapidly limited. War also results in the displacement of large swathes of people either within their own countries or to neighbouring countries. This homelessness results in physical and mental health deterioration. Access to healthcare in a foreign country is also often limited, and there is restricted access to clean water, adequate food and sanitation. These result in an increase in communicable diseases and malnutrition with a further decline in health.

Post-traumatic stress disorders, depression and anxiety may be permanent long term side effects of war.

War also seems to have a greater impact on women’s health when compared to men, despite men being the major direct victims of conflict. In peace time, women live longer than men but during war the gap between men and women life expectancy decreases.[1]

Children born during conflict are at a higher risk of being of a low birth weight, which is associated with an increased risk of infant mortality and poorer health in later life.

War can damage social, political and economic institutions permanently. War is a man-made public health problem [2] and is only just if it is fought for a reason that is justified, and that carries sufficient moral weight. The country that wishes to use military force must demonstrate that there is just cause to do so.

The justification for war is very rare.