One of the very disturbing things in virtually all wars
nowadays is that civilians,
non combatant civilians, bear the brunt of war.
1/4 of the world's population are directly affected by war
each year.
The disruption of access to food,
water, shelter, sanitation and I would add to that healthcare,
all of which are vital for people's health,
is one of the main reasons why people suffer during
war.
In fact, the people in the war zone and and
near the war zone may be experiencing mental health effects
for the rest of their lives.
Communicable diseases, infectious diseases are a major problem.
Mainly respiratory diseases which often occur because people are crowded
together.
The other major category of infectious diseases are diarrheal diseases,
which often occurs because there is not a safe water
supply.
In fact, often water treatment plants,
water supply lines are targeted by military forces and therefore
people cannot have access to clean water.
People with chronic diseases like heart disease,
lung disease, diabetes can't get their basic medications.
If people with diabetes can't get their insulin,
they risk getting into a serious complications including death.
Maternal and infant health is adversely affected by war in
many circumstances.
Even basic prenatal care, which is so important for healthy
outcomes of of pregnancy is disruptive during war.
We need to work towards improving the infrastructure for peace.
That means strengthening civil society.
That means, after wars occur,
rehabilitating individuals and rehabilitating communities.
The Geneva Conventions, international humanitarian war says that civilians and
civilian infrastructure needs to be protected during war,
and that has been violated time and time again in
many wars.