
War and conflict
Armed conflict devastates lives. Targeted, harassed and caught in hardship and poverty, people are forced into flight or live under siege and face indiscriminate attacks. Access to basic needs, like food and medical care, is often disrupted. Comprehensive medical and humanitarian support is vital, but health services are often scarce. In conflict zones, MSF does not take sides. We provide medical care based on needs alone, and work hard to reach those who need help the most.

Conflict and Health
CONFLICT AND HEALTH
How does conflict damage national health?
Armed conflict causes injury, displacement and death but it continues to affect people’s health even after the frontlines have moved or the guns have fallen silent.
It devastates essential health services, disrupts medical supplies, forces medical staff to flee and leaves the national immune system broken. When deadly diseases arrive, they’re even harder to fight.
For people caught up in violence or its aftermath, it is more important than ever to have access to healthcare, shelter, sanitation and food. Just to ensure they survive in the wake of war and can look to the future.

Voices from the field
The conduct of this battle and its impact are extraordinary.Meinie Nicolai, nurse and MSF General Director

The dehumanising experience of exile

Fighting psychological fears in conflict-affected communities

MSF opens a surgical field hospital in Mocha to treat war-wounded patients

“In Taiz, people are still hopeful for a stronger future.”

“Insecurity has pushed people to their limits”

After the battle: The unfolding of a disaster

The agony of Mosul’s war wounded: “I've had about 15 operations on my leg so far.”

A year on from battle, Mosul’s healthcare system is still in ruins
