War’s Hidden Health Crisis: Why Armed Conflict Devastates Civilian Health for Years to Come

Armed conflict inflicts damage far beyond the immediate battlefield. According to emerging research, civilians living in war zones face dramatically increased risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and psychological trauma—health impacts that often persist for years after fighting ends.

The health consequences of war have become increasingly urgent as a global health concern. A systematic review conducted by researchers at Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, published in the journal *Heart*, examined data from multiple armed conflicts across low- and middle-income countries, including Syria, Lebanon, Bosnia, Palestine, Colombia, and Sudan. The findings paint a sobering picture of conflict’s long-term toll on civilian populations.

The research revealed a striking connection between living in conflict zones and increased deaths from heart disease and stroke. In one striking example, data collected from household surveys following the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq showed that deaths from heart attack or stroke increased significantly, from 147.9 per 100,000 people before the invasion to 228.8 per 100,000 afterwards. Heart disease accounted for approximately half of all non-violent deaths during that conflict.

Researchers identified two main mechanisms by which armed conflict damages cardiovascular health. First, the direct stress and anxiety of living in a war zone increases blood pressure and worsens risk behaviours such as alcohol consumption and smoking. Second, the destruction of healthcare infrastructure eliminates preventive screening programmes, reduces access to hospitals and medicines, and makes managing chronic conditions impossible. People struggling to survive in conflict often cannot prioritise taking regular medications such as statins or insulin.

Professor Christopher Millett, a professor of public health at Imperial College London, noted that “the experience of armed conflict, be it specific traumatic events or displacement from your home, appears to place civilian populations at greater risk of increased blood pressure, alcohol use and smoking, which are established risk factors for heart disease.” Even when civilians can access healthcare, hospital closures, road blockades, and lack of available medications create insurmountable barriers.

The destruction of medical infrastructure represents one of the most damaging aspects of modern warfare. According to a 2025 report from Médecins Sans Frontières, attacks on healthcare facilities reached record levels last year. The World Health Organization’s Surveillance System for Attacks on Health Care recorded 1,348 attacks on medical facilities in 2025, resulting in 1,981 deaths—double the 944 deaths recorded in 2024.

These attacks have immediate and catastrophic consequences. Health workers, often the first responders to crises, are directly targeted, reducing essential medical care. The destruction of hospitals disrupts routine services including childbirth and vaccinations, leading to preventable deaths and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. Polio in Gaza and mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo have both worsened because health workers cannot safely reach affected areas and necessary supplies have been destroyed.

The long-term impacts are equally severe. Individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease face life-threatening situations without treatment. Additionally, the loss of healthcare services contributes to displacement, as people flee to find medical care. Perhaps most concerning, attacks on health facilities erode public trust in medical institutions, creating fear around seeking help that can discourage people from accessing care for years afterwards.

Armed conflict also takes a severe psychological toll. Data from the UK Armed Forces Mental Health Annual Report indicates that the rate of military personnel seen in military healthcare settings for mental health reasons has risen significantly over recent years. The stress, trauma, and displacement experienced during warfare create long-lasting mental health consequences for affected populations.

The evidence demonstrates that war triggers a cascade of health crises extending far beyond combat injuries. As conflicts become increasingly protracted—as seen in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza—the public health burden accumulates. Healthcare systems become overwhelmed or destroyed, chronic disease management fails, and populations develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that increase their vulnerability to serious illnesses.

Researchers emphasise that more investigation is needed to fully understand these mechanisms and develop effective interventions. Training healthcare professionals in affected regions to deliver cardiovascular disease prevention and control measures once conflicts end is critical for post-war recovery.

Key Takeaways

• Civilians living in conflict zones face significantly increased risks of heart disease and stroke, with deaths from these causes potentially doubling after armed conflict begins
• Healthcare systems are increasingly targeted in modern warfare, with 2025 seeing record numbers of attacks on medical facilities and personnel
• The mental health impacts of warfare create long-lasting psychological consequences for both military personnel and civilian populations
• Access to preventive care and chronic disease management collapses during armed conflict, worsening outcomes for vulnerable populations

What This Means for Kent Residents

While Kent has not experienced armed conflict, the health impacts documented internationally have relevance to UK public health planning. The NHS and UK Health Security Agency monitor health crises affecting vulnerable populations globally, and many Kent residents have family connections to conflict-affected regions. If you or someone you know is experiencing stress, trauma, or mental health difficulties related to international events, support is available through your GP or by contacting your local mental health services. Kent and Medway NHS Trust provides mental health support and signposting to appropriate services. Additionally, understanding these global health impacts helps inform UK humanitarian response and public health preparedness for future crises.