Healthcare Asia Daily News: Healthcare, Medical Tech & Business News

June 20, 2025

WASHINGTON, June 20, 2025 – Teh devastating impact of war zones extends far beyond the front lines, leaving healthcare systems and the people they serve in a precarious state. Missile strikes continue too cripple hospitals and cut off access to vital medical care in conflict zones in israel and Iran, and also the Middle East. The destruction of medical facilities and displacement of populations is a grim reality.War zones are making healthcare facilities and those in need of medical care more vulnerable.

War’s reach extends beyond the battlefield, impacting healthcare and the moast vulnerable populations.

• Conflict leads to hospital damage, cutting off medical services.
• Children face increased risks of death, trauma, and disrupted education.
• Forced migration and economic hardship further strain healthcare systems.

what are the major impacts of war on healthcare? War inflicts physical violence, destroys healthcare facilities, disrupts food supplies, and leaves people traumatized, harming healthcare systems. When conflict breaks out, children often lose their parents or get separated from their families.

Children Caught in the Crossfire

When war erupts, the immediate impact on children is often devastating. They face the loss of parents, separation from families, and increased risk of death from preventable causes due to lack of access to medical care. Food scarcity and weaponization of resources lead to malnutrition. This stunts their growth and weakens immune systems.

The mental toll on children is equally brutal. Extreme fear, anxiety, and deep sadness are common, with many developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The risk of death in infancy and orphanhood is high in war-torn areas [2], creating long-term trauma that can affect a child’s life well into adulthood.

Did you know?-Children in conflict zones are not onyl at risk of physical harm, but also face severe psychological trauma that can have long-lasting effects on their mental health and development.

Families Torn Apart, Forced to Flee

War also forces people to leave their homes, often permanently. Some become refugees crossing into other countries, while others become internally displaced within their borders. These individuals are forced to leave behind everything they know, including schools, jobs, and community support.

The camps where displaced people end up often lack clean water, proper sanitation, and adequate healthcare. Diseases like cholera, diarrhea, and tuberculosis spread quickly. Aid groups like the UNHCR, WFP, UNFPA, and UNICEF provide support. Yet, the needs are immense, and conditions are often chaotic [3].

Reader question:-What are the biggest challenges that aid organizations face when trying to provide assistance to displaced people in conflict zones? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Forced human migration, whether during war or peace, often stems from the search for basic needs such as food, shelter, and medical care. Conflict disrupts agriculture and cross-border trade, leading to food scarcity and unsanitary conditions, which drive people to seek aid and sustenance elsewhere. Widespread destruction of homes and communities force families to flee to safer areas, as seen in the displacement of Central African Republic citizens. In arid regions like Somalia,agro-pastoralist communities migrate seasonally in search of water and pasture due to unpredictable rainfall. Armed conflict also hinders access to medical care, making it dangerous to transport health supplies and pushing people to relocate to areas with more stable healthcare systems. [4]

Healthcare Systems on the Brink

The fragility of healthcare systems becomes painfully clear during war, as hospitals are bombed, roads are blocked, and medical supplies are stolen or delayed. getting medicine to those in need becomes nearly impossible even when clinics remain open. Vaccines spoil without refrigeration, and doctors may flee or become overwhelmed.

This creates notable challenges in controlling disease outbreaks. Viral diseases like influenza,measles,or polio can spread rapidly in crowded camps. Humanitarian and international groups step in when the government or public health system collapses, but they can’t always fill the gap fast enough.

Education Interrupted, Futures Threatened

War’s impact on education is severe and long-lasting. Children frequently enough miss an entire year or more of schooling. Schools are turned into evacuation centers or temporary shelters, making education impossible. Without access to schooling, children lose a critical foundation for their future.

Young girls face additional risks,including being pulled out of school to care for younger siblings or help at home. some are forced into early marriage or face teenage pregnancy. Children separated from their families are especially vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.

According to UNICEF, over 473 million children globally-more then one in six-now live in areas affected by conflict.The world is experiencing the highest number of conflicts since World War II. The share of children in conflict zones has nearly doubled since the 1990s, rising from around 10% to nearly 19% today.In 2023, the UN verified 32,990 grave violations against 22,557 children, the highest number since monitoring began. Thousands of children have already been killed or injured in places like Gaza and Ukraine, and this trend is expected to continue.

Girls and women face severe threats, including widespread sexual violence in conflict areas. In Haiti alone, reported incidents of sexual violence against children have increased by 1,000 percent this year. Children with disabilities are also more exposed to violence and rights violations during armed conflict.

Education continues to suffer as schools are destroyed, damaged, or repurposed. More than 52 million children in conflict-affected countries are out of school. In Gaza and Sudan, many have missed over a year of education. In Ukraine,the Democratic Republic of the Congo,and Syria,countless children have lost access to learning as schools remain unsafe or nonfunctional [5].

Pro tip:-Supporting organizations that focus on providing education and psychosocial support to children affected by conflict can help them rebuild their lives and futures.

Economic Ripples and Health

Even areas far from active fighting feel the economic impact of war. Countries reliant on foreign food, fuel, and fertilizers are hit hard when trade is disrupted. Prices increase, jobs are lost, and governments accumulate debt. This often leads to severe hardship for families in conflict zones. In some areas, children become breadwinners, sometimes as young as 15 or 16.

No Winners,Just Survivors

Numerous major conflicts are happening worldwide today. Geopolitical tensions, economic wars, and border disputes displace populations, damage economies, and disrupt systems that keep people alive and healthy.

Addressing the root causes of war-bad governance, inequality, extremist ideologies, and a lack of peaceful solutions-is essential to protect health and access to medical care. Without peace, there is no real chance at good health for millions of people around the world. “Make peace, not war” is a vital phrase for health, life, and all.

References:

1. War is a public health emergency, Goto, Ryunosuke et al., The Lancet, Volume 399, Issue 10332, 1302
2. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(22)00479-2/fulltext),
3. ( Kenkoh Nkiese, J., & Kininla Wirba, S. (2024). Viewpoint Chapter: Armed Conflict and Its Impact on Human Migration – The Healthcare Perspective. intechopen. doi: 10.5772/intechopen.112791)
4. Kenkoh Nkiese, J., & Kininla Wirba, S. (2024). Perspective Chapter: Armed Conflict and Its Impact on Human Migration – The Healthcare Perspective. IntechOpen. doi: 10.5772/intechopen.112791
5. ‘Not the new normal’ – 2024 ‘one of the worst years in UNICEF’s history’ for children in conflict – https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/not-new-normal-2024-one-worst-years-unicefs-history-children-conflict

Controlling Disease in Conflict Zones

Conflict zones are hotspots for disease outbreaks due too mass displacement,poor sanitation,and the breakdown of healthcare infrastructure. Overcrowding in refugee camps fuels the spread of infectious diseases. Clean water and proper hygiene are frequently enough scarce, increasing the risk of waterborne illnesses.

Vaccination programs are disrupted as a result of damaged infrastructure. routine immunization efforts halt, and the focus shifts towards treating immediate trauma. The lack of access to essential medicines and medical supplies further compounds the issue [1].Limited resources and security concerns also hinder outbreak response efforts.

Many diseases spread quickly in conflict zones, these include:

• Cholera
• Measles
• Diarrheal diseases
• Tuberculosis
• Malaria

These outbreaks often have a devastating impact on the most vulnerable, posing the greatest risk to women and children. Healthcare workers must work in environments where their own safety is compromised [2].

What steps are taken during disease outbreaks? Early warning systems help identify potential outbreaks,and rapid response teams are deployed to administer vaccines and treat infectious diseases.Aid groups provide support as governments try to maintain essential health services, including maternal and child healthcare.

Mental Health in the Midst of Chaos

The psychological trauma of war often goes unaddressed, leaving individuals to live wiht the lasting effects of terror and loss. Witnessing violence, displacement, and the loss of loved ones can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Children are particularly vulnerable, as they are still developing.

The destruction of social support systems, such as schools and community centers, further worsens mental health issues.Mental health services are frequently enough unavailable or inaccessible in conflict zones, making it challenging for people to get the help they need. Even when available, cultural stigma and a lack of trained professionals create barriers to treatment.

How can mental health be improved? Mental health programs and training are essential. These can help local health workers provide basic counseling and psychological first aid. Community-based interventions support children and adults. By providing access to mental healthcare, aid groups can address the trauma and create the means to build resilience among populations affected by conflict.

How to Support Those in need

There are several ways to help those affected by war and its impact on healthcare systems. One is to support organizations providing medical aid and mental health services. Donate to established humanitarian or voluntary groups. These organizations frequently enough work on all sides during times of conflict, providing essential resources and care.

advocating for policies that protect healthcare workers and facilities from attack is another way to make a difference. Supporting efforts to uphold international humanitarian law and hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable can protect civilians and health workers. Also raise awareness about the impact of war on healthcare, and share details to educate others.

What actions can be taken to alleviate suffering? Supporting campaigns that call for peaceful conflict resolution and investing in long-term development and peacebuilding can positively impact health services. These services will reduce the need for emergency assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I help protect healthcare workers in conflict zones?

A: You can support organizations that advocate for the protection of healthcare workers and facilities under international human rights law. also, supporting campaigns that call for peaceful solutions to conflict.

Q: What are the most common health challenges in conflict zones?

A: Trauma, infectious diseases, mental health disorders, and access to healthcare are the most common health challenges. These difficulties often take a toll on health services.

Q: How does war impact healthcare infrastructure?

A: War damages hospitals, clinics, and medical supply chains. This makes providing adequate care incredibly difficult. This leads to a rise in preventable illnesses and limited healthcare access.

Q: What role do aid organizations play in conflict zones?

A: Aid organizations provide essential medical care, build shelter facilities, and distribute food.Medical staff also provide mental health support and other humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by war.

Q: What are the long-term consequences of war on health?

A: War’s long-term consequences include increased rates of chronic diseases, mental health issues, physical disabilities, and social disruption, affecting both individuals and entire communities.