International Journal of Health Policy and Management

International Journal of Health Policy and Management

Amplifying the Voices of Healthcare Workers in Conflict Settings; Comment on “Human Resources for Health in Conflict Affected Settings: A Scoping Review of Primary Peer Reviewed Publications 2016–2022”

Document Type : Commentary

Authors
Aula Abbara 1, 2
Munzer Alkhalil 3, 2
1 Department Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
2 Syria Public Health Network, London, UK
3 David Nott Foundation, London, UK
10.34172/ijhpm.9492
Abstract
Attacks on healthcare are increasing globally, often with impunity and limited accountability with profound impacts on healthcare workers, the populations they serve and the wider health system, with effects that last well beyond the end of hostilities. Healthcare workers face impacts both on their personal and professional lives, with additional strains on their families which can lead them to emigrate, even where they may hold idealistic resolve to remain. This exodus (as well as the killing or detention) of their colleagues, places strains on the remaining healthcare workers and health system at a time when needs are at their highest. The cessation of such attacks, the naming of perpetrators and enforcing legal accountability are essential. To mitigate the long-term impacts on the health system, policies which build resilience into the production, distribution, retention, and demand components of health labour market (HLM) dynamics must be implemented in ways which are contextualised and dynamic.
Keywords
Conflict
Healthcare Workers
Human Resources
Attacks on Healthcare
Accountability
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International Journal of Health Policy and Management
Volume 15, Issue 1
2026
Pages 1-4

  • Received Date 25 September 2025
  • Revised Date 23 February 2026
  • Accepted Date 25 February 2026
  • First Published Date 31 March 2026
  • Published Date 01 December 2026