The impact of conflict on infectious disease: a systematic literature review

The impact of conflict on infectious disease: a systematic literature review

2024 | Valia Marou¹, Constantine I. Vardavas¹,², Katerina Aslanoglou¹, Katerina Nikitara¹, Zinovia Plyta¹, Jo Leonard-Bee³, Kirsty Atkins³, Orla Condell⁴, Favelle Lamb⁴ and Jonathan E. Suk⁴*
Conflict significantly impacts the emergence and transmission of infectious diseases, as highlighted in this systematic review. The review analyzed 51 studies published between January 2000 and October 2023, focusing on diseases such as HIV, HBV, tuberculosis, cholera, COVID-19, Ebola, poliomyelitis, malaria, leishmaniasis, measles, diphtheria, and acute bacterial meningitis in conflict settings across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Key factors contributing to disease emergence and transmission include population displacement, destruction of infrastructure, reduced healthcare access, and disrupted disease control programs. Preparedness and response strategies include disease-specific interventions, health education, immunization campaigns, and political commitment. The review emphasizes the need for robust public health systems, international collaboration, and improved surveillance to effectively manage infectious disease outbreaks in conflict zones. The findings underscore the importance of evidence-based strategies to mitigate the risks associated with conflict and displaced populations.Conflict significantly impacts the emergence and transmission of infectious diseases, as highlighted in this systematic review. The review analyzed 51 studies published between January 2000 and October 2023, focusing on diseases such as HIV, HBV, tuberculosis, cholera, COVID-19, Ebola, poliomyelitis, malaria, leishmaniasis, measles, diphtheria, and acute bacterial meningitis in conflict settings across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Key factors contributing to disease emergence and transmission include population displacement, destruction of infrastructure, reduced healthcare access, and disrupted disease control programs. Preparedness and response strategies include disease-specific interventions, health education, immunization campaigns, and political commitment. The review emphasizes the need for robust public health systems, international collaboration, and improved surveillance to effectively manage infectious disease outbreaks in conflict zones. The findings underscore the importance of evidence-based strategies to mitigate the risks associated with conflict and displaced populations.
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