For almost 30 years, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized violence as a serious public health issue. This started back in 1996 when the World Health Assembly (WHA) declared violence a cause of injury and long-term damage, not just to individuals but also to public health systems globally. During this time, the WHO has developed materials and frameworks to help countries manage violence against women, children, and youth. However, one prominent cause of violence, firearms, is notably absent from these efforts.
A recent report, titled “Tracking WHO Attention to Firearm Violence, 2000–2025,” reveals that while violence is frequently mentioned in WHA resolutions, firearm-related issues rarely make the cut. This lack of focus represents a significant oversight for public health systems, especially given that gun violence has led to over a million deaths in the last five years alone.
Firearm violence doesn’t only result in deaths. It’s linked to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, particularly among young people. In communities with high levels of gun violence, the impacts are far-reaching. Schools suffer from decreased attendance and poor academic performance, resulting in long-term effects on children’s futures. Unfortunately, WHO’s prevention strategies do not adequately address these mental health impacts.
Historically, the WHO has acknowledged the public health implications of firearms, but this focus has diminished over the years. Political sensitivities surrounding gun violence make it a contentious topic. Many member states prefer to avoid addressing it directly, which limits WHO’s ability to develop comprehensive strategies.
Currently, prominent WHO frameworks like INSPIRE and RESPECT—which aim to combat violence against children and women—often overlook firearms as a critical risk factor. This is puzzling considering that firearm presence significantly increases the risk of lethal domestic violence. Without addressing this, the frameworks fail to fully engage with a pressing issue affecting millions.
There’s a growing recognition of gun violence as a major public health concern, but WHO’s current frameworks largely ignore this reality. Leaders in public health stress that addressing firearm violence could support better health outcomes and evidence-based policies. Research consistently shows that effective regulations can reduce gun-related deaths, yet WHO has not taken the lead in this area.
Recent data shows that firearm homicide rates among children have doubled since 2013 in the U.S. alone. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for a strong, coordinated response from health organizations worldwide. A coalition of researchers and public health advocates is now calling for action, emphasizing that firearm violence should be treated as a public health issue deserving of serious attention.
If WHO begins to integrate firearm violence into its public health frameworks, it could enhance preventative measures across gender-based violence, child protection, and men’s health. The organization has successfully addressed complex health issues before; it’s time to do the same for firearms. By doing so, WHO can better serve populations facing the impacts of gun violence, aligning its strategies with current health challenges.
This shift isn’t just about expanding WHO’s mission. It’s about clarifying it and ensuring that all forms of violence, especially the preventable kind, are addressed. As calls for action grow louder, the question remains: will WHO respond to one of the world’s most significant and pressing public health crises?
Dean Peacock is affiliated with the School of Public Health at the University of Cape Town and the Gender Centre at the Geneva Graduate Institute. Dr. Stephen Hargarten is a professor of Emergency Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin and serves as a senior injury and policy advisor. They are both part of the Global Coalition for WHO Action on Firearm Violence.
Image Credits: Maria Lysenko/Unsplash, Max Kleinen/Unsplash.
