War reshapes the health of populations at every level. Beyond battlefield deaths, conflict drives displacement, famine, infectious disease outbreaks, environmental contamination, collapse of health systems, and generational trauma.

This chapter examines the epidemiology of armed conflict, including direct mortality, civilian injury, landmines, chemical and biological weapons, and the destruction of water, sanitation, and health infrastructure. The ripple effects extend into forced migration, malnutrition, interrupted vaccination programmes, and long-term mental health consequences.

We explore international humanitarian law, global treaties on weapons, and the role of humanitarian assistance. War is framed not only as geopolitical failure, but as a predictable generator of preventable public health crises.

Public health in conflict becomes a discipline of preparedness, protection, reconstruction, and accountability.

Key Takeaways

* The majority of war-related deaths are indirect, resulting from disease, malnutrition, and infrastructure collapse.

* Civilian populations, particularly women and children, bear disproportionate burden.

* Forced migration and displacement profoundly affect health outcomes.

* Landmines, chemical weapons, and biological agents create long-term public health threats.

* Health system destruction amplifies mortality from otherwise preventable conditions.

* International humanitarian law and coordinated humanitarian response are central to mitigation.

* War prevention and peace-building are fundamentally public health priorities.

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