Ukraine Conflict

The War in Ukraine Is the End of a World

A shroud is settling over the dreams many of us had at the end of the 20th century.

The ripple effects of Russia's war in Ukraine continue to change the world

More than 8 million refugees have fled Ukraine in what the World Health Organization describes as "the largest movement of people in the European Region since the Second World War." Many have been involuntarily relocated by Russia. Others have put a strain on resources, as well as schools and hospitals, in Poland and Germany.

The toxic legacy of the Ukraine war

Russia's invasion is leaving a toxic trace on Ukrainian soil, contaminating crops and posing a serious long-term risk to human health.

Ukraine war: conflict-related PTSD is putting strain on an already underfunded mental health system

Over the past 12 months the people of Ukraine have lived through a full-blown Russian invasion, with all the horrors you might expect. Those who lived in conflict zones, have had to flee or witness death and destruction on a massive scale. Many have either witnessed or experienced war crimes – including sexual violence. Millions have lost their homes and possessions, while thousands are mourning lost loved ones.

Ukraine's health care infrastructure withstands a year of destruction

Beyond day-to-day health care access, the conflict has impacted clinical trials, medical education and services for cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions and perinatal care.

Public Health Catastrophe Looms in Ukraine, Experts Warn

Even before the war, the country struggled with epidemics of H.I.V., tuberculosis and hepatitis. The conflict threatens to undo decades of progress.

100 days after Ukraine was plunged into war, over 2 million Ukrainians have returned

The conflict has forced millions of Ukrainians to flee their homes — including an estimated two-thirds of the country's children. With so many people displaced inside the country and even more escaping to other countries, "this is the largest human displacement crisis in the world today," according to the United Nations refugee agency.

Catastrophic Health Consequences of the War in Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused an abhorrent situation that represents the antithesis of all that medicine and public health strive to achieve. Physicians and other health professionals, who are dedicated to healing and preserving life, are once again on the forefront of emergency aid and humanitarian relief efforts during war.

How Russian mothers upset about their sons being 'cannon fodder' could help end war in Ukraine

'They don't have political power, but they have a lot of moral authority and, as we have seen in Ukraine, mothers and grandmothers carry a lot of influence'.

Is Ukraine Barreling Toward a COVID Surge?

War is creating the perfect conditions for an outbreak.

On the front lines with Ukraine’s ‘medical angels’

They are Ukraine’s “medical angels,’’ a roving band of bright yellow ambulances with blue and khaki signage that rush to the front lines at the first hint of something amiss.

Russian forces just captured Chernobyl. What are the radioactive risks?

“I can’t imagine how it would be in Russia’s interest to allow any facilities at Chernobyl to be damaged,” Edwin Lyman, of the Union of Concerned Scientists, told the Associated Press.

Russia’s Invasion Of Ukraine May Cause Polio, Covid-19, Public Health Crises

Gee what’s the best thing that you can do for the world right now in the middle of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic? How about invade another country, especially one that’s already been struggling with Covid-19 and polio?

The Costs of War

The invasion of Ukraine has been described as the first social-media war, and a key aspect of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s leadership has been his ability to rally his country, and much of the world, via Facebook, Telegram, TikTok, and Twitter. At the same time, war photographers in Bucha, Irpin, and beyond are working—in the tradition of Mathew Brady at Antietam or Robert Capa on Omaha Beach—to capture the grisly realities of what Vladimir Putin insists that his people call a “special military operation.”

The WHO says Ukrainian health care is under attack, and it needs more funds to help

"The people of Ukraine need urgent action and support from the rest of the world to ensure its health care is functioning and protected so further loss of life is prevented," said Anil Soni, CEO of the WHO Foundation. "I urge anyone who can to donate to ensure all those in need of basic health care, as well as those wounded and directly affected by the conflict, have safe access to lifesaving care."

Ukraine: war has an impact on people’s health beyond bullets and bombs

Wars are complex health emergencies. They lead to the breakdown of society, cause considerable damage and destruction to infrastructure, create insecurity and have a significant economic impact. They also exacerbate pre-war issues.

WHO says 64 hospitals attacked since Russian invasion of Ukraine

The four-week war has also forced Ukraine to repurpose hospitals to care for the wounded, disrupting the provision of basic medical services to the rest of the population.

Why Ukraine’s COVID-19 Problem Is Everyone’s Problem

“War is an infectious disease’s best friend,” says Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. “It challenges every public health program you can possibly have. It limits the medical care available for those who might be seriously ill, and often fosters transmission when so many people are crowded into bomb shelter locations and on trains. This is going to be the perfect storm of one serious challenge after another.”

Yuval Noah Harari argues that what’s at stake in Ukraine is the direction of human history

Humanity’s greatest political achievement has been the decline of war. That is now in jeopardy.

The Escalation of the Ukraine War and Global Health

The war has entered a more dangerous phase with grim portents for health.