Abstract
The Arab world is one of the most conflict-ridden regions in the world today. The dozens of wars that have troubled the region during the past 70 years has resulted in an increase in conflict-related injuries, like blast injuries, gunshot wounds, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. In addition, the lack of proper healthcare infrastructures, budgetary constraints, and the burden of large numbers of refugees have increased the risk factors of noncommunicable diseases and the outbreak of infections in affected populations. Short-term and long-term psychological distress often presents in the form of depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress. Medical schools and healthcare systems in the Arab world should design curricula aimed at developing medical personnel capable of addressing the needs of today’s Arab communities. As such, integrating conflict medicine into medical education programs is essential. Furthermore, supporting research efforts to study conflict-related injuries and socioeconomic conditions will help in improving future delivery of care. Intensifying diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and avoid conflict and war remains the best method to prevent individual harm and societal damage.
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Fares, J., Khachfe, H.H., Fares, M.Y., Salhab, H.A., Fares, Y. (2020). Conflict Medicine in the Arab World. In: Laher, I. (eds) Handbook of Healthcare in the Arab World. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74365-3_166-1
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