Medicine and Science from The BMJ cover image

Medicine and Science from The BMJ

Conflict zones, women’s health research, and reimagining palliative care

Nov 2, 2024
Richard Brennan, WHO Emergency Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, discusses the dire impact of armed conflict on healthcare access in regions like Gaza and Lebanon. He highlights the brave efforts of healthcare workers amidst escalating violence. Menaka Paranathala, a clinical editor at The BMJ, focuses on addressing gender inequity in medical research, emphasizing the historical neglect of women's health issues. The conversation also touches on the critical role of palliative care and the need for its integration across all medical specialties for improved patient outcomes.
37:41

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Quick takeaways

  • The escalation of armed conflicts in regions like Gaza and Lebanon severely threatens healthcare services and the safety of medical workers.
  • Addressing the historical neglect of women in biomedical research is crucial for improving health outcomes and ensuring equitable treatment across patient populations.

Deep dives

Impact of Armed Conflict on Healthcare

Armed conflict significantly jeopardizes the provision of essential healthcare services, particularly evident in regions like Gaza and Lebanon. Healthcare workers risk their lives to assist the injured, facing threats such as physical harm and even death. Since 2018, documented attacks on healthcare have reached approximately 7,500, leading to around 2,500 deaths and 5,000 injuries, highlighting how violations of health sanctity have escalated. These attacks include not just direct assaults on facilities but also broader threats like intimidation and obstruction of access to medical care.

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