The political determinants of public health in conflict settings with case studies from Palestine and Sudan
1
Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
2
Metro Health Services, Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, Cape Town, South Africa
3
School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
4
Sandy Hill Community Health Centre., Sandy Hill Community Health Centre., Ottawa, Canada
5
Neurorehabilitation and Pain Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza City, Palestinian Territory, Occupied
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Armed conflict continues to undermine population health, damage health system infrastructure, and widen global health inequities1,2,3,4,5. Recent calls from international public health bodies emphasise that disruptions to essential services in conflict affected settings challenge the effectiveness of humanitarian protections and public health diplomacy6. Despite established international humanitarian and human rights frameworks7,8,9, inconsistent adherence limits their ability to safeguard civilians and maintain functional health systems. Experiences from Palestine, Sudan, and Congo illustrate how governance dynamics, foreign policy decisions, and geopolitical pressures political determinants of health shape health outcomes and influence health system resilience. This session examines these determinants and their implications for global public health practice and aligns well with the conference theme and tracks10.
METHODS:
This organised session will convene an international panel of three experts. Two panelists from conflict affected settings will describe the public health effects of weakened protection mechanisms and disrupted health services. A third panelist will analyse how global governance structures and foreign policy approaches influence international responses to health system deterioration. A facilitated audience discussion will explore: 1. The role of public health professionals in addressing health crises arising from conflict, and appropriate evidence informed strategies; 2. How national and regional policies contribute to vulnerability and global public health inequity during conflict.
RESULTS:
The session will generate a systematic and practice oriented understanding of how political determinants influence health and health systems in conflict environments. Audience contributions are expected to discuss governance barriers, opportunities for collaborative action, and emerging strategies for strengthening protection of health systems and populations.
CONCLUSIONS:
The session will conclude with forward looking recommendations for enhancing public health engagement in conflict settings, including evidence based advocacy, more effective global health diplomacy, and strengthened international mechanisms that protect civilian health and health infrastructure during crises.
Armed conflict continues to undermine population health, damage health system infrastructure, and widen global health inequities1,2,3,4,5. Recent calls from international public health bodies emphasise that disruptions to essential services in conflict affected settings challenge the effectiveness of humanitarian protections and public health diplomacy6. Despite established international humanitarian and human rights frameworks7,8,9, inconsistent adherence limits their ability to safeguard civilians and maintain functional health systems. Experiences from Palestine, Sudan, and Congo illustrate how governance dynamics, foreign policy decisions, and geopolitical pressures political determinants of health shape health outcomes and influence health system resilience. This session examines these determinants and their implications for global public health practice and aligns well with the conference theme and tracks10.
METHODS:
This organised session will convene an international panel of three experts. Two panelists from conflict affected settings will describe the public health effects of weakened protection mechanisms and disrupted health services. A third panelist will analyse how global governance structures and foreign policy approaches influence international responses to health system deterioration. A facilitated audience discussion will explore: 1. The role of public health professionals in addressing health crises arising from conflict, and appropriate evidence informed strategies; 2. How national and regional policies contribute to vulnerability and global public health inequity during conflict.
RESULTS:
The session will generate a systematic and practice oriented understanding of how political determinants influence health and health systems in conflict environments. Audience contributions are expected to discuss governance barriers, opportunities for collaborative action, and emerging strategies for strengthening protection of health systems and populations.
CONCLUSIONS:
The session will conclude with forward looking recommendations for enhancing public health engagement in conflict settings, including evidence based advocacy, more effective global health diplomacy, and strengthened international mechanisms that protect civilian health and health infrastructure during crises.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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