Peace and Sustainable Health Development

Health and peace are interrelated. "There cannot be health without peace, and there cannot be peace without health" (WHO Director-General). Health is a driver of peace and sustainable development. War and conflict may lead to the disruption of health systems, the collapse of essential medical supply chains, an exodus of health care workers, attacks on health care and/or upsurges in epidemics and starvation – ultimately impacting lives and livelihoods.

The WHO's Constitution recognizes that "the health of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security". Further, if communities are engaged in the design, delivery, and/or implementation of healthcare, it may help to enhance community acceptance and ownership of health services. This, in turn, may contribute to proactive protection of health resources by communities, which could lead to safe access to healthcare for those who need it. Pursuing appropriate peace outcomes, where safe and feasible, creates more space for healthcare and enables healthcare to reach marginalized and difficult to access populations.

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 recognizes that risks to health and well-being are significantly aggravated in settings affected by war, conflict, and other forms of organized violence, which also have significant negative effects on mental health. The mainstreaming of health and peace is pivotal to strengthening health systems. Along with the six workstreams of WHO's “Global Health and Peace Initiative” (GHPI), this panel session brings together high-level policy makers, executives, philanthropists and health advocates to discuss the interconnection of peace and health to reach sustainability.