Health Impact Assessments

There is a wealth of data and research on the devastating consequences for health of violent conflict. Up until now this research has not been used by decision makers in their deliberations when deciding whether to engage in military action. Medact believes that if this research and data could be mobilised then politicians and military strategists would be more likely to seek peaceful solutions in situations where an armed response is being considered.

In 2014, Medact developed a case study to assess the potential health consequences of US military action against Iran.

Medact also produced a total of 5 reports on the health effects of the Iraq War. The first, in 2002, considered the risks prior to the US/UK-led invasion. Four more reports, from 2003, 2004, 2008 and 2012, provide analyses of different aspects of health, healthcare and policy post-invasion.