Study exploring the evidence relating Health and Conflict interventions and outcomes

This literature review was commissioned by the UK Government’s Health and Conflict Group comprising the Ministry of Defence, Department of Health, The Department for International Development and Stabilisation Unit). Though it does not reflect HMG Policy, it is a core document for anyone interested in health and conflict and looks at key issues central to the UK Government approach. It is an excellent empirical starting point for personnel interested in examining the links between health and stabilisation and the key issues central to the UK Government approach.

The paper draws attention to the fact that harnessing health interventions for stabilisation objectives can undermine health outcomes. While contracting out health service delivery to non-governmental organisations and other emergency providers may be necessary in the short term, transition to health delivery through domestic structures should take place as soon as possible to avoid undermining national institutions. The paper found no evidence that Military Medical Civil Action Programmes (MEDCAPS) benefit local communities, medically or for other security objectives and warns that services should bridge conflicting groups rather than providing competing alternatives, which could put communities at risk.