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
Food for Thought
Join us for a dinner and speaker event organised in conjuction with Medact Glasgow and Medact Scotland. This will be a fantastic opportunity for Medact members, supporters and newcomers from all around the UK to swap ideas and get to know each other. We are delighted...
Hiroshima Day Appeal 2018
Our annual appeal remembers the anniversary of the world’s first nuclear bomb being dropped on Hiroshima in 1945.
AGM Weekend 2018
Medact's 2018 Annual General Meeting will be held in Glasgow on the afternoon of 21st September. The AGM will be followed by a dinner and speaker event organised with Medact Glasgow and Medact Scotland. This will be a fantastic opportunity for Medact members and...
The dangers of nuclear distraction
Dr. Frank Boulton gives an overview and analysis of the latest developments about the Iran Deal, USA/North Korea and USA/Russia relations, and offers much-needed suggestions to reduce and ultimately end the threat of nuclear war.
Scottish health professionals call on Glasgow City Council not to support arms fairs
In light of the controversial Undersea Defence and Technology conference in Glasgow, health professionals in Scotland send an open letter to Glasgow City Council calling on them not to support arms fairs in future.