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
British Psychological Society divests from gas, oil and coal
The British Psychological Society is divesting from fossil fuels! It joins a growing number of health organisations that are cutting ties with gas, oil and coal. Dr Deirdre Duff reports on their divestment decision.
The risks of US abrogation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty on the centenary of WW1
On the centenary of the end of the most devastating humanitarian catastrophe the world had hitherto ever seen, in which at least 20 million people were killed and over 21 million wounded, Medact’s Nuclear Weapons Group warn of the risk of a humanitarian catastrophe on an even greater scale.
The Prevent duty in the NHS: implementation and impacts
As Medact begins new work looking at how the PREVENT strand of the government’s counter-terrorism strategy is affecting the NHS, Reem Abu-Hayyeh gives an overview of the policy and its reception to date.
US and Russia must preserve INF Treaty, begin negotiations for nuclear abolition
Statement from the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War responding to the concerning recent announcement that the United States will be withdrawing from the Treaty on Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF).
Medact AGM, Dinner on Food Justice & Faslane Demo
A busy, productive and enjoyable weekend was had by Medact members in Glasgow and beyond on 21st and 22nd September. Held in Kinning Park Centre, a converted Victorian school close to public transport, with delicious food provided by social enterprise Milk, and music...