From Horror to Hope

War causes death, disability, and disease. It damages the health-supporting infrastructure, displaces populations, violates human rights, and diverts resources. And it subsequently leads to more violence. From Horror to Hope documents the health consequences of war, primarily for noncombatant civilians but also for military personnel and veterans, and outlines what can be done to minimize these consequences. Written by a public health physician engaged with this subject for decades, the book also describes positive developments in addressing the health impacts of war, including new initiatives to protect civilians during war, reduce gender-based violence and mental trauma, and control the international arms trade and nuclear weapons. In addition, From Horror to Hope profiles inspiring health professionals who are providing healthcare for war-affected populations and participating in education, research, and advocacy to reduce the health impacts of war. Finally, the book demonstrates how traditional public health frameworks and new paradigms can be applied to the prevention of war and the promotion of peace. Given the current peak in armed conflicts and the increasing threat of future wars, From Horror to Hope provides an extremely timely overview for anyone seeking to better understand and address the health consequences of war.

Barry S. Levy, MD, MPH, is a physician and epidemiologist who has written and spoken extensively on the public health impacts of war and terrorism, social injustice, climate change, and environmental and occupational hazards. He has edited 20 previous books and authored more than 250 journal articles and book chapters. Dr. Levy is an Adjunct Professor of Public Health at Tufts University School of Medicine. He is a Past President of the American Public Health Association and a recipient of its most prestigious award, the Sedgwick Memorial Medal.

List of Profiles Preface Acknowledgments About the Author Timespans of Wars Cited Part I: Introduction Chapter 1: A Public Health Perspective on War Chapter 2: The Nature of War Chapter 3: Human Rights, Ethics, and International Humanitarian Law Part II: Types of Weapons Chapter 4: Conventional Weapons Chapter 5: Chemical, Biological, and Nuclear Weapons Part III: Health Impacts on Civilians Chapter 6: Assaults and Injuries Chapter 7: Malnutrition and Communicable Diseases Chapter 8: Mental Disorders Chapter 9: Adverse Impacts on Reproductive Health Chapter 10: Noncommunicable Diseases Chapter 11: Vulnerable Populations Part IV: Other Impacts and Their Documentation Chapter 12: Health Impacts on Military Personnel and Veterans Chapter 13: Impacts on the Environment Chapter 14: Determining the Health Impacts of War Part V: The Future Chapter 15: Preventing War and Promoting Peace Notes Index