About this Research Topic

Background

Each author will receive a personalized timeline and manuscript guidance tailored to their submission. Should you have any submission questions, don't hesitate to contact our dedicated submissions specialist via publichealth.submissions@frontiersin.org.

In contemporary wars, international conventions are regularly violated, for example, the number of civilians who are victims of wars is vastly greater than the number of military personnel. To provide a numerical dimension, according to the Oxford Handbook of Ethics of War, there have been 14,600 wars in human history, of which 3,200 were large. In 2021 alone there were 46 armed conflicts going on around the world, including three with more than 10,000 deaths per year (in Yemen, Afghanistan, and Myanmar) with a total of 120,000 deaths, or a 13 percent increase over 2020. In Iraq since the beginning of the war in 2003, between 180,000 and 200,000 civilians have died, while in Afghanistan since 2001 the total deaths-including civilians-have been about 900,000. Needless to mention wars leave a very heavy legacy: in Syria for example, life expectancy has been reduced by 20 years after the conflict.

In addition to immediate deaths and injuries, vast populations are affected through displacement, access to food, water, and sanitation, maternal and child mortality, mental health as well as a total collapse of healthcare systems.

Each manuscript should aim to contribute meaningful insights that drive policy change and enhance public health strategies in and beyond conflict zones. We welcome submissions that examine the following key areas:
1) Victim Count Accuracy: Delving into the methodologies for accurately counting war victims amidst biased information systems used by conflicting parties.
2) Long-Term Health Outcomes: Exploring the long-term health consequences of war on both civilians and military personnel, including psychological impacts and healthcare system collapses.
3) Preventative Strategies: Discussing the role of public health in conflict prevention and management, linking to broader peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts.
4) Global Influence of Local Conflicts: Investigating how conflicts contribute to the spread of infectious diseases beyond their epicenters, influenced by refugee movements and disrupted public health infrastructures. This research will enhance understanding of global health security and inform pandemic preparedness.
5) Resource Diversion from Health to Defense: Analyzing the impact of reallocating national and international resources from healthcare to defense. Contributions should explore how such shifts affect health promotion and the well-being of populations at both local and global levels.
6) Healthcare in Conflict Settings: Evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of health interventions in conflict zones, focusing on pragmatic approaches in nutrition, hygiene, and emergency medical services. This includes assessing the challenges and outcomes of implementing these "second-best" solutions due to resource constraints.

A carefully selected team of Topic Editors will ensure that discussions remain respectful and scientifically grounded, avoiding politicization and ensuring relevance to public health. We commit to linguistic sensitivity, especially when referencing specific conflicts, and offer waivers to encourage broad participation without negative repercussions.

This Research Topic aims to foster a deeper understanding of the extensive public health impacts of war, encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to solving one of the most pressing issues of our time. We look forward to contributions that not only describe challenges but also propose innovative solutions for health in times of conflict.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic is open for submission in the following formats:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic is open for submission in the following formats:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: global health, warfare, conflict, public health, victim count accuracy, long-term health outcomes, preventative strategies, global influence, resource diversion from health to defense, healthcare in conflict settings

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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