QF Wish Summit to Spotlight the Impact of Conflict on Healthcare. Doha, Qatar: War and conflict extend far beyond the visible destruction of infrastructure, reaching deeply into the lives of individuals, families, and communities. The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) 2024, set to take place from November 13 to 14 in Doha, will bring this urgent issue to the forefront with its main theme: “Humanizing Health: Conflict, Equity, and Resilience.”
As the healthcare system and essential services face unparalleled strain during times of conflict, the conference aims to highlight the critical need for protecting healthcare workers, facilities, and the communities they serve.
The Impact of Armed Conflict on Healthcare
Wars wreak havoc on healthcare systems, turning hospitals and clinics into targets and displacing workers who are vital to maintaining essential services. These impacts are not limited to physical damage; the healthcare sector also suffers from the psychological toll of war on healthcare professionals and the families they support. In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), WISH, a member of the Qatar Foundation, is developing an in-depth report focusing on the effects of armed conflict on healthcare systems and workers.
The report will delve into the most recent trends in attacks on healthcare facilities and workers, highlighting the scale and nature of these assaults. It will also offer insight into the global distribution of these attacks and propose necessary mechanisms to safeguard healthcare during armed conflict. This timely document will examine International Human Rights Law, accountability measures like the criminal prosecution of war crimes, and United Nations accountability mechanisms as crucial tools in protecting healthcare workers and facilities.
Addressing the Healthcare Crisis in Conflict Zones
The WISH 2024 report will provide actionable policy recommendations aimed at preventing, mitigating, and holding accountable those responsible for attacks on healthcare during times of conflict. These recommendations will span across global, regional, and national perspectives, ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing the healthcare crisis caused by armed conflicts.
Maha El Akoum, Acting Director of Research and Content at WISH, stressed the urgency of the situation: “This year’s alarming rise in attacks against healthcare workers and facilities underscores the pressing need for a transformative response to safeguard health in conflict zones. Health workers, at the heart of our health systems, are disproportionately affected by violence, often working under perilous conditions with overwhelming workloads and scarce resources, all while worrying about the safety of their own families.”
The increase in abductions, detentions, and arrests of healthcare workers severely disrupts healthcare access and delivery. Many healthcare professionals are forced to leave conflict zones, resulting in further strain on already fragile health systems. This exodus not only disrupts healthcare but also takes a severe toll on the mental health of those who remain, further reducing their ability to provide care over the long term.
The Role of Families in Conflict Zones
The devastating effects of war are not limited to healthcare workers alone. Families are often caught in the crossfire, and the weight of conflict extends to the responsibilities of caregivers, particularly parents. As Dr. Sharifa Al-Emadi, Executive Director of Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), notes, the impact of war on families is profound. A study by DIFI titled “Wars, Conflicts, and Their Impacts on Arab Families” highlighted how Arab families in countries like Palestine, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon have continued to exemplify resilience, compassion, and solidarity despite the hardships caused by conflict.
“In peaceful times, every individual in the family has their role and responsibilities clearly defined,” Dr. Al-Emadi explains. “However, in times of war, when educational and healthcare facilities are attacked and families are directly targeted, the burden on parents becomes enormous. The responsibilities of providing protection and care for their children and the elderly become incredibly challenging.”
War often results in the displacement of families, creating a fragmentation that leaves loved ones scattered in search of safety. The percentage of children deprived of education and those unable to access healthcare skyrockets, further exacerbating the struggles families face. This dispersal of family members disrupts the traditional family structure, leaving caregivers overwhelmed and vulnerable.
Protecting the Most Vulnerable: The Role of International Cooperation
The theme of WISH 2024, “Humanizing Health: Conflict, Equity, and Resilience,” speaks to the necessity of addressing these challenges through collaboration and collective action. The conference will bring together key stakeholders, including governments, UN agencies, and civil society, to advocate for the protection of healthcare services and the families affected by war. El Akoum emphasizes that protecting healthcare in conflict zones is not just about saving lives today but also about safeguarding the future of families and communities.
“Together, we can forge a future where health and safety are recognized as fundamental rights for every individual and family, even in the most challenging environments,” she asserts.
International Legal Frameworks and Accountability
One of the core focuses of the WISH 2024 report is the exploration of existing legal frameworks designed to protect healthcare during armed conflicts. International Human Rights Law plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of healthcare workers and civilians during times of war. However, enforcement and accountability remain significant challenges. The report will examine mechanisms such as criminal prosecution of atrocity crimes and UN-based accountability processes, providing policy recommendations to ensure that violations are not left unpunished.
The goal is to create a framework of accountability that deters future attacks on healthcare systems and ensures that perpetrators of such crimes are held responsible on a global scale.
Conclusion
The WISH 2024 conference in Doha represents a pivotal moment in the global effort to protect healthcare in conflict zones. By bringing together experts, policymakers, and international organizations, the event will not only shed light on the devastating impact of war on healthcare systems but also provide a platform for solutions. From protecting healthcare workers to ensuring families have access to vital services during conflict, the conference will emphasize the importance of resilience, equity, and the humanization of health.
As we approach November 13 to 14, the world will turn its attention to Doha, where the discussion around conflict and health will drive a much-needed conversation on protecting those most vulnerable in times of war.