Social determinants of health in countries in conflict: a perspective from the eastern Mediterranean region

In: WHO regional publications

In: Eastern Mediterranean series 32

In: WHO Regional Publications, Eastern Mediterranean Series, No. 32

Abstract

Social inequality is widely recognized as an important cause of conflict and the social determinants of health in conflict settings reflect and reinforce these inequalities. This publication explores the impact of conflict and occupation on the health of people in six countries of the region, identifying loss of human rights, breaches of medical neutrality and psychosocial distress as key determinants that affect people 's health in crisis settings. The publication also identifies some examples of activities and interventions that may help to mitigate the impact of these conflicts on the healt