War and conflict are major causes of human suffering. They also cause environmental degradation, perpetuate inequalities and undermine democracy. Nuclear bombs and other indiscriminate weapons of mass destruction are incompatible with the public health aims of safety and health protection.
But a vast complex of standing armies, militias, weapons manufacturers, arms traders and politicians promote war, violence and militarism out of self-interest and greed, or because they fail to see better alternatives for resolving conflict and disputes.
Health professionals have a long history of: providing humanitarian relief; facilitating ceasefires and the cessation of conflict; promoting disarmament and peacebuilding; and providing impartial evidence on the perpetration of war crimes.
Medact grew out of the medical peace movement and is the UK affiliate of the Nobel Laureate International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW).
Medact continues to promote disarmament and encourage investment in nonviolent responses to conflict; seek the abolition of nuclear weapons; and reduce the power and influence of the global military-industrial complex. It promotes the universal right to health as a platform for peace building and more effective international diplomacy and cooperation.
Latest
Musicians for Peace and Disarmament concert to celebrate the TPNW
Our friends at Musicians for Peace and Disarmament have organised a sequence of short musical performances to mark and to celebrate the coming into international law of UN’s Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. They will be joined by guest speaker Dr. Tilman Ruff.
Prevent duty in NHS ─ January planning meeting
An online meeting to discuss the ways that health workers can take action on issues related to the Prevent duty in the NHS.
Local support for Nuclear Ban Treaty – strategy meeting
Join a meeting to strategise about how the health community can encourage UK cities and towns to support the Nuclear Ban Treaty.
Prevent duty in NHS ─ November planning meeting
An online meeting to discuss the ways that health workers can take action on issues related to the Prevent duty in the NHS.
50th state ratification of the Nuclear Ban Treaty marks a significant milestone for a global movement
This blog outlines the implications of the imminent entry into force of the Nuclear Ban Treaty, and calls for more to join the movement for the abolition of nuclear weapons.