Countries Experiencing Conflict: Health Care Preparedness and Response Resources
When countries experience conflict, it highlights the far-reaching concerns facing health care related to traumatic injuries (resulting from explosions and shootings) and a variety of other threats (e.g., radiological/nuclear, chemical, and biological). An increase in serious injuries and illness will continue to strain an already challenged health care infrastructure (this was especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic). Exposure to armed conflict has social and psychological repercussions that endure long after the termination of hostilities. As with physical health, post-conflict mental health is dependent on multiple factors, including mental health status before the conflict, the nature of the conflict, exposure to stressors, and the cultural and community context.
The resources on this page can help stakeholders in the U.S. and abroad prepare for and respond to these incidents.
Exposure to armed conflict has social and psychological repercussions that endure long after the termination of hostilities. As with physical health, post-conflict mental health is dependent on multiple factors, including mental health status before the conflict, the nature of the conflict, exposure to stressors, and the cultural and community context. These resources can help healthcare providers, disaster survivors, and veterans recognize and manage negative mental health effects.
Pediatric trauma patients in combat zones have high mortality rates, which are likely attributable to both the severity of the injuries sustained as well as barriers in accessing adequate and timely care. Children who are affected by war have an increased prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and behavioral and psychosomatic complaints. The mental health impact of displacement appears to vary depending on where children are resettled. These resources can be used by clinical and other caregivers to support children affected by war and children who may be exposed to conflict-related content.