A volunteer medical team removes the last of the dead Iraqi fighters under the watch of US marines in Baghdad, 12 April 2003. More than 40 fighters and civilians were killed during the battles with American soldiers for control of the area near the Al Rasheed Hotel before the war was declared over. Credit: KAEL ALFORD / PANOS PICTURES
Impacts of War
War is a major challenge to the health of populations and to health systems. The direct violence of warfare has an immediate impact on physical and mental health and is measured in casualties and injuries. But this accounts for only a small proportion of the total suffering. The psychosocial impact on a civilian population has disproportionate effects on the poor and vulnerable, mitigates capacity to recover and can contribute long-term to a nation's slide into poverty. In many cases it sets up a cycle of violence that continues through generations.
Medact's concern about these issues led to it becoming an implementing partner in the Unicef Psychosocial Programme in former Yugoslavia, and examining the health impacts of war on Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq.
You can find more information on the Impacts of War by visiting the archive.
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Petition to support High Court ruling on BAE Systems' arms dealsFollowing the High Court ruling that cutting short the investigation into alleged corruption in BAE Systems' arms deals with Saudi Arabia, Campaign Against the Arms Trade and the Corner House are asking people to sign a petition that will be sent to the Prime Minister next week asking for a commitment that there will be no more interference with the investigation. If you would like to sign click the website link here..........11/04/2008
Rehabilitation under fire: health care in Iraq 2003-2007This report describes how the 2003 war and its aftermath continue to have a disastrous impact on the physical and mental health of the Iraqi people. It builds on Medact’s previous widely-read reports on Iraq (2002-2006). 16/01/2008
The Iraq Health CrisisThe Iraqi Medical Association in collaboration with Medact - July 200714/11/2007
Biko to Guantanamo: 30 years of medical involvement in tortureMedact Chair Dr Frank Boulton was one of six signatories - on behalf of 260 other doctors - to a letter that has appeared in the Lancet highlighting the ongoing role of US military doctors in Guantanamo. The initiative of Dr David Nicholl, the letter draws parallels with the role of doctors responsible for Steve Biko at the time of his death in 1977.25/09/2007
The Iraq CommissionThe Iraq Commission is an independent cross-party Commission facilitated by the Foreign Policy Centre and Channel 4 which has produced recommendations on the future of Britains role in Iraq. Medact's written evidence can be downloaded here; our written and oral evidence can also be found on the Commission website. 20/07/2007
Reed Elsevier to exit the defence exhibitions businessIt is such great news that Sir Crispin Davis has announced that Reed Elseiver will be exiting the defence exhibitions business. Many of Medact's members have been involved in this campaign. In his letter Sir Crispin Davis acknowledges the influence of the 'very real concerns' of 'growing numbers of important customers and authors, particuarly in the science and medical markets' in his decision. For the complete letter click here....01/06/2007
Time to Talk: the case for diplomatic solutions on IranThe consequences of military action against Iran would be unthinkable...this is the message of a report produced by 15 organisations including Medact which was launched on February 5th. It argues that diplomatic solutions must be used to avoid an escalation with potentially disastrous consequences, and that the UK government can play a crucial role in making diplomacy work.05/03/2007
The devastating health effects of the conflict in the Middle EastAs part of the ongoing campaign for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, Medact today sent a letter to all Cabinet Ministers outlining the devastating health effects of the present conflict, including the long term effects on health and well being of the violence, and of the massive destruction of infrastructure in Lebanon...04/08/2006
Is your MP supporting an immediate ceasefire?Many thanks to those who have already supported this campaign for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East. There is now a website you can visit to see if your MP is supporting an immediate ceasefire - if not please email them asking them to do so....03/08/2006
Tens of thousands call for immediate ceasefireMany thanks to all who sent an email or a text message to the Prime Minister as part of the ongoing (please still send) campaign for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East. This contributed to over 35,000 signatures that were handed over to Downing Street by Martin Bell OBE today....01/08/2006
An open letter to the Prime MinisterMedact is one of fourteen organisations who have signed an open letter to the Prime Minister which reflects their grave concern that the British government has not done more to try and bring about an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East.....
for e-action see below26/07/2006
e-action on the situation in the Middle EastIf you email the Prime Minister to urge for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East do use any of the points in the letter above. Other organisations will be using 'Take action to save lives in the Middle East' in the subject line, and using this will show a sense of unity, although this is up to you. For maximum effect this needs to be done today Wednesday 26th July. Emails to the Prime Minister can be sent through this website.26/07/2006
Conflict in Lebanon & IsraelMedact's grave concern at the violence and destruction being caused by the conflict in Lebanon and Israel is expressed in a letter to the press from Medact's new Chair, Dr Frank Boulton. To read the letter click here...24/07/2006
Conflict fuels Iraqi health crisisMedact's most recent update brings together key evidence and eyewitness accounts to capture what is happening to the Iraqi health system today, and the effects of the conflict on the health of the Iraqi people30/03/2006
The enduring effects of war in Iraq: health in Iraq 2004This latest Medact report analyses, from a public health perspective, the impact of the 2003 war in Iraq on health, the health system, and relief and reconstruction. The effects of the war must be measured not only by the initial death and injuries due to weaponry - terrible as these are - but also by the longer-term suffering, and enduring effects on the well being and daily lives of the population. 31/12/2004
Continuing Collateral Damage: the health and environmental costs of war on Iraq 2003The war on Iraq was declared officially at an end six months ago, but the health and environmental costs of the conflict are still being felt. Drawing on sources within and outside Iraq, the international health charity Medact says that the health consequences of the 2003 war on Iraq will be felt by its people for years, maybe generations. 27/12/2003
Collateral Damage: the health and environmental costs of war on Iraq - 2002Conflict with Iraq could cause half a million deaths and have a devastating impact on the lives, health and environment of the combatants, Iraqi civilians, and people in neighbouring countries and beyond. It could also damage the global economy and thus indirectly harm the health and well-being of millions more people across the world. 27/12/2002
