PD 06 - The Health Impact of War & Terror

The role of the public health community in responding to the health impacts of war and conflict has become increasingly important in the context of the changing nature of war and conflict. While the global health community may have limited power to curb the aggression and belligerence of political and military leaders seeking out war and conflict, it can promote informed and open public debate about the causes of war and conflict by providing timely and credible information on the expected and actual health consequences of conflict. The health community also has an important role in preventing and treating injury and disease, as well as monitoring the impact and the conduct of war within the legal framework set out by the Geneva Conventions and other instruments of international law.