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
Twice the threat, but twice the opportunity
Elisabeth McElderry considers how the dual threats of nuclear weapons and climate change, and how to address them.
The Public Health Case Against the Policing Bill
This briefing argues that the PCSC Bill’s expansion of police power and prisons will in fact harm public health
‘Kill the Bill’ Research Group Meeting
This will be the final Research Group meeting before our briefing launch on Monday 15th November.
Alternative Training on Prevent in Healthcare #4
What do you know about the Prevent counter-extremism duty in the NHS? Join us for an ‘alternative’ online training on Prevent.
Prevention, not punishment: why health workers must resist the policing bill
As the government seeks to extend policing into spaces of healthcare, co-opt the language of public health, and introduce new practices which will worsen social inequalities rather than resolve them—resistance from the health community is vital.