“Beyond bullets: War’s Hidden Price on Health”

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Elisa Carolina Góngora Valdivia is a 21-year-old medical student at Autonomous University of Nayarit, Mexico. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

No war has a winner; one can win the battle, but what about what´s left? The broken homes, broken lives, the lack of a safe and consistent place to sleep, wash, and shelter, the insufficient food supple, the forced displacement in search of safety, and what about mental health?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is defined as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (World Health Organization, 1948). Based on this, it is easier to stablish that individuals affected by war completely lack of health. Forced displacement, for instance, contributes overcrowding, creating a major public health issue, increasing the risk of disease and illness, while simultaneously exacerbating levels of poverty.

The impact of war goes beyond physical borders, causing deep wounds in the human psyche. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and sleep disorders, just to name a few, become silent companions of those who have survived horror. Recent studies have demonstrated that the prevalence of PTSD symptoms among those affected by war is 23.70%, while 25.60% experience symptoms of depression (Ahmed et al., 2024). It also has been concluded by researchers that children of mothers suffering from depression are at a higher risk of behavioral and emotional problems, as well as delayed development in motor, cognitive, and language skills (Cotzias et al., 2021).

The collapse of the health system only exacerbates the situation further, leaving entire communities without access to basic services and increasing both maternal and child mortality rates. Therefore, we must not overlook the remarkable support of our colleagues, who despite the adversities and dangers to which they are exposed daily, demonstrate courage by showing up one more day at work risking their own lives to save others. They are the true heroes in the midst of the crisis, reminding us of the importance of solidarity and compassion.

Despite the progress made in diplomacy though the years, it seems absurd that, in the XXI century, we still live in a world where disputes over territory and control of resources lead to war. World leaders should prioritize human rights and seek peaceful solutions to conflicts. 

To reduce the catastrophic health impacts of war, it is essential to increase the funding for health care, strengthening healthcare systems in conflict zones, as well as promoting international cooperation. We can build a more equitable and peaceful future for all by prioritizing the health and well-being of affected individuals. Spreading awareness can encourage global solidarity, paving the way for a more compassionate and just world.

References:

• World Health Organization. (1948). Constitution of the World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/about/governance/constitution
• Ahmed, S. H., Zakai, A., Zahid, M., Jawad, M. Y., Fu, R., & Chaiton, M. (2024). Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder and depressive symptoms among civilians residing in armed conflict-affected regions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. General Psychiatry, 37(3), e101438. https://doi.org/10.1136/gpsych-2023-101438
• Cotzias, S. R., Vänskä, M., Diab, S. Y., & Punamäki, R.-L. (2021). The trauma of war and the motor, cognitive, and socioemotional development of infants: Maternal mental health and dyadic interaction as explanatory processes. Child Abuse & Neglect, 116, 104808. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.104808

About the author

Elisa Carolina Góngora Valdivia is a 21-year-old medical student at Autonomous University of Nayarit, currently in her third year of study. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA). Elisa values the impact of politics on the medical field, and recognizes how political decisions can shape healthcare access and public health outcomes. Her academic focus is driven by a strong interest in exploring how these interactions affect vulnerable populations, particularly in the context of war. With an eye on the present, she seeks to raise awareness.