Impact of War and Its Aftermath on Public Health

War and its aftermath have profound impact on public health. War and the aftermath of war claim many lives, with civilian noncombatants accounting, over time, for an increasing percentage of deaths during wartime. In recent decades, civil noncombatants have been increasingly targeted during war for assassination, abduction, sexual violence, and other human rights violations. In many recent wars, damage to the health-supporting infrastructure of society accounts for more morbidity and mortality than bullets and bombs. This includes damage to agriculture and the food supply system, water treatment and supply, sewage treatment and sanitation, and health care, public health, transportation, communication, and electrical power generation. Forced migration contributes to morbidity and mortality during wartime and its aftermath; internally displaced persons may face greater difficulties than refugees who escape to other countries. Expenditures for military uses diverts resources from health, education, and other sectors of society. Public health workers can play important roles in miniminizing the public health consequences of war and its aftermath, and to help prevent war itself.