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
Turkish doctors sentenced to prison for statement against war
In response to the sentencing of 11 Turkish doctors to 20 months in prison for a statement made against the military offensive in Afrin, Syria, Medact has urged the UK Foreign Secretary to take action. “War is a man-made public health problem.” It is these words,...
Welfare Not Warfare: DSEI banner-making and pizza evening
Join us for an evening of pizza and banner-making in preparation for raising our voices against the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) – the world’s largest arms fair – taking place in September in London.
Support Medact’s 2019 Hiroshima Day Appeal
Our annual appeal remembers the anniversary of the world’s first nuclear attacks – on the cities of Hiroshima & Nagasaki in 1945 – and helps to support Medact’s work using the health voice to advocate for peace and nuclear disarmament throughout the year.
End the cycle of violence: 270 health workers take action against UK DSEI Arms Fair
Our open letter in protest against the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) arms fair in London this September – fighting to stop the sale of arms to countries complicit in mass human rights abuses.
Musicians for Peace and Disarmament – Summer Concert, 2019
Join Musicians for Peace and Disarmament for a piano recital from Viv McLean. All proceeds from this concert will go towards organisations in the peace...