Health in an Age of War: Priorities from the Next Generation

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. Frank Shao, a medical student from ST. FRANCIS UNIVERSITY (SFUCHAS) in Tanzania. He 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.

In 2026, global health can no longer be discussed without confronting the realities of war. Conflict has become one of the most powerful determinants of health. Escalating geopolitical tensions and rising military threats signal that future conflicts among global powers may further destabilize health systems far beyond national borders. Hospitals are destroyed, healthcare workers targeted, families displaced, and psychological trauma normalized. As the next generation of healthcare professionals, medical students are not only witnesses to these crises but stakeholders in shaping how global health responds. The priorities set today will determine whether health systems become victims of conflict or instruments of resilience and peace.

First, protecting health systems in conflict and fragile settings must be a non-negotiable global priority. Attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel violate international humanitarian law yet have become a feature of modern warfare. When hospitals are damaged or non-functional, the consequences extend beyond immediate casualties: immunization programs collapse, chronic diseases go unmanaged, and public trust erodes. Geopolitical flashpoints remind us that health systems must be protected during conflict and strengthened in anticipation of crises. For future healthcare professionals, defending medical neutrality is not a political stance but an ethical duty. Global institutions and states must reinforce accountability mechanisms to ensure healthcare remains a protected space, regardless of context.

Second, mental health and psychosocial support must be recognized as frontline health needs in populations affected by conflict and insecurity. War and the threat of war generate widespread psychological harm, often invisible but deeply persistent. Children exposed to violence, displaced families, and overstretched healthcare workers face increased risks of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Yet mental health services remain underfunded and insufficiently integrated into humanitarian and primary healthcare responses. The next generation must advocate for mental health to be treated with the same urgency as physical injury embedded within emergency response, community-based care, and long-term recovery efforts.

Third, the health of refugees and internally displaced persons must be addressed through inclusive and equitable health systems. Armed conflict and political instability have driven displacement to record levels, straining health services across borders. Refugees and migrants often encounter legal, financial, and social barriers that limit access to essential care, increasing vulnerability to preventable illness. Health systems must adapt to a mobile world by ensuring access regardless of nationality or status. Strengthening cross-border cooperation and migrant-inclusive health policies is essential for both humanitarian protection and global health security.

Together, these priorities reveal a critical truth: war, ongoing or imminent, is not only a political or security issue but a public health emergency. As future healthcare professionals, our responsibility extends beyond clinical practice to advocacy, ethical leadership, and health diplomacy. By prioritizing protected health systems, mental well-being, and displaced populations, the next generation can shape a global health agenda that fosters resilience and peace.

About the author

Frank Shao is a medical student from ST. FRANCIS UNIVERSITY (SFUCHAS) in Tanzania and an active member of the Tanzania Medical Students’ Association (TAMSA), affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA). He has a strong interest in global health governance, health systems strengthening, and the intersection between conflict, public health, and youth leadership. Frank has been involved in student-led advocacy, policy discussions, and leadership initiatives aimed at promoting equitable and resilient health systems. He believes that empowering young health professionals is essential for building sustainable, peaceful, and people-centered global health responses.