Richard Sullivan, a professor at King’s College London, recently highlighted a crucial issue on LinkedIn. He pointed out that we often overlook how deeply conflict impacts health systems worldwide. Instead of viewing conflict as just an external issue, we should recognize it as a critical factor that shapes health risks and responses.
Today, conflicts evolve into complex threats. A recent example is the attempted assassination of Alexei Navalny using a rare biotoxin. This tactic mirrors past events involving other toxic agents, showcasing a pattern of hybrid warfare.
For the past two decades, biotoxins have gained attention for their potential use in attacks. Unfortunately, many health systems, especially in Western countries, are ill-equipped to handle such crises. National health planners are increasingly aware that they must strengthen these systems. They must prepare for multifaceted attacks that target not just physical health, but also economic and digital infrastructures.
Lessons learned from global conflicts underline the need for better preparations. For instance, attacks like those on Hezbollah in Lebanon demonstrate how easily emergency departments can become overwhelmed. Additionally, the ongoing situation in Ukraine sheds light on vulnerabilities in digital health services.
As digital platforms evolve, they face growing threats from cyber warfare and misinformation. The rise of AI has amplified the spread of false information, necessitating new strategies beyond traditional health system planning.
To truly build resilient health systems, we need to adapt our indicators of compromise to these emerging threats. It’s not just about maintaining health services—it’s about ensuring they can withstand the evolving landscape of conflict.
For those interested in more insights, you can read Sullivan’s full article on health system resilience here.
In summary, as conflicts evolve, so must our approach to health systems. We must prepare for the interplay between health and safety in this new landscape.
