Harnessing the peace dividends of health

Building peace is usually considered the job and domain of diplomats. Health, however, is also a bridge to peace, and policymakers have identified the multifaceted linkages between health and peace. While conflict and violence affect physical and mental health, damaging health systems and other determinants of health, peace is also a critical prerequisite for health and well-being. The drivers of conflicts are often health related, and health can be a goal to help competing groups to unite for peace. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic while straining already fragmented health systems and societies offers new opportunities to build, promote and sustain peace in conflict-affected countries.

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Al Mandhari A, Ghaffar A, Etienne CFHarnessing the peace dividends of healthBMJ Global Health 2021;6:e006287.