Bracing for Impact:
Health and Humanitarian Responses in the Context of “security threats”
Security threats in the context of health and humanitarian responses encompass a range of challenges, including armed conflicts, criminal activities, access restrictions, violence against aid workers, and epidemics/pandemics. These threats can disrupt healthcare delivery, hinder access to affected populations, compromise the safety of personnel, and create an environment of fear and instability. In the absence of peace and peacebuilding efforts, there is lack of trust and understanding between communities. Vulnerable populations, including ethnic minorities, women, children, and migrants, are particularly affected by threat-induced illnesses and deaths.
Two threats to global health security are key to building better responses: slow-burn problems, which may be underestimated and receive insufficient attention until irreversible damage occurs, and emerging technologies with dual-use potential as both beneficial tools and weapons.
To effectively address these threats, a broader definition of global health security is vital, encompassing the interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health. By recognizing and addressing these complex interlinkages, public health efforts can proactively mitigate risks and protect vulnerable populations from a wide range of health threats.
