Understanding the Nexus of Conflict, Disaster, and Infectious Disease in Vulnerable Populations

The intersection of conflict, disaster, and infectious disease outbreaks is a critical area of research, particularly in regions where multiple crises converge. Man-made and natural disasters, along with armed conflicts, significantly contribute to the spread of infectious diseases by creating environments where populations are forced into vulnerable situations. These conditions often include poor housing, inadequate hygiene, and the destruction of essential infrastructure, leading to the collapse of healthcare systems and disruption of supply chains for necessities like water, food, and medicine. Recent studies have highlighted the alarming spread of diseases such as Mpox in regions like eastern Congo, where displaced populations live in overcrowded camps with substandard living conditions. The World Health Organization's declaration of a global health emergency in response to the Mpox outbreak underscores the urgent need for improved strategies to manage health risks in such settings. Despite ongoing efforts, there remains a significant gap in understanding the full impact of these crises on infectious disease dynamics and in developing effective preparedness and response strategies.

This Research Topic aims to investigate the intricate links between disasters, conflicts, and the burden of infectious diseases. The primary objective is to enhance our understanding of how these factors impact vulnerable and displaced populations and to develop strategies that mitigate health risks while stabilizing health services. Key questions include identifying existing emergency preparedness and response strategies, determining measures needed for sustainable emergency preparedness, and exploring recent advances in interventions and technologies that improve emergency response and healthcare resilience.

To gather further insights in the complex interplay between conflict, disaster, and infectious disease spread, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Effects of disaster or conflict on disease emergence, dynamics, and spread;
• Socioeconomic, political, environmental, and cultural conditions impacting epidemic spread;
• Access to and distribution of vaccine supply and other preventive measures in displaced populations;
• Access to general healthcare or deployment of healthcare in emergency settings;
• Innovative response interventions, including frameworks or tools.

We encourage submissions from a diverse range of manuscripts, including original research articles, case studies, landscape analyses, and reviews, and invite early career researchers to collaborate with senior colleagues for contributions to this Research Topic.