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
16 CPD Points – Attend Health Through Peace
We're very excited to announce that the Royal College of Physicians has confirmed that 16 CPD points will be accredited to attendees of Health Through Peace. The conference will provide an opportunity for healthcare practitioners to hear from global public health...
The political determinants of the cholera outbreak in Yemen – The Lancet
In light of the world’s worst cholera outbreak, Medact Director David McCoy and colleagues Jonathan Kennedy and Andrew Harmer from Queen Mary University of London write about the crucial role that the Saudi-led coalition has played in creating conditions conductive to this catastrophic outbreak.
Even a ‘minor’ nuclear war would be an ecological disaster felt throughout the world – The Conversation / Newsweek / Mail Online
In light of escalating war of words between North Korea and the USA, Medact Director David McCoy writes about the effects of nuclear detonations on the environment and climate.
Volunteer at our Conference 4-6th September
Health Through Peace 2017 4-6th September at the University of York We are looking for volunteers to support Health Through Peace 2017. Register here for the chance to: Volunteer for two days at the conference, and get a whole day off to enjoy access to the talks and...
North Korea crisis: Reckless threats from both sides must stop – IPPNW Statement
The already dangerous crisis in Korea has escalated further with the reckless rhetoric emanating from both the United States and the Democratic Republic of Korea. The wild threats issued by both sides only inflame an already explosive situation. If acted on...