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
IPPNW Student Discussion on “The Vow from Hiroshima” and the Importance of Medical Student Activism
“The Vow from Hiroshima” is an intimate portrait of Setsuko Thurlow, a passionate, 89-year-old survivor of the atomic bombing. Register for the discussion now to access the film stream 7th-8th August.
Steps in the right direction at the Biden-Putin Geneva Summit
On June 16th 2021, President Biden and President Putin’s joint declaration made at the Geneva summit gave hope of better diplomatic ties and a more stable relationship. In their statement, they reaffirmed the principle that “Nuclear war cannot be won and must never be...
Exploring the Ethics and Impact of the Prevent Duty on the NHS
It has been nearly a year since Medact published its report, False Positives: the Prevent counter-extremism policy in healthcare. The report shed light on a strand of the government’s counter-terror strategy, its harms within the health system, and the ethical...
Prevent duty in NHS ─ June 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.
Racism, mental health and pre-crime policing: the ethics of Vulnerability Support Hubs
Our latest report, Racism, mental health & pre-crime policing: the ethics of Vulnerability Support Hubs, exposes a secretive counterterrorism police-led mental health project called ‘Vulnerability Support Hubs’. Thousands of individuals suspected of potential...