About Medact

Medact speaks out for countless people across the globe whose health, wellbeing and access to proper health care are severely compromised by the effects of war, poverty and environmental damage.

As health professionals, we campaign and we lobby governments, international bodies and other influential organisations. We call on them to take positive action on preventing violent conflict, improving health and on raising the standards of health care worldwide.

Our history

Medact was formed by a merger of two older organisations in 1992. The first, the Medical Association for the Prevention of War, was founded by Sir Richard Doll, Horace Joules, Lionel Penrose and others in 1951 during the Korean War as a medical lobby for peace. The second, the Medical Campaign Against Nuclear Weapons, was founded in 1980 and was instrumental in undermining the idea that nuclear war was "survivable". Medact's work on war and weapons continues today, and is now complemented by action on the health impacts of poverty and environmental change.

Current issues

Responding to the war on Iraq Medact produced its fourth report in January 2008 Rehabilitation under fire: health care in Iraq 2003-2007. This report describes how the 2003 war and its aftermath continue to have a disastrous effect on the physical and mental health of the Iraqi people. It builds on Medact's previous reports on health in Iraq, and reviews what has happened to the health system in the light of international law and best practice.Together, they describe the appalling state of health in that country, made worse by the war and insecurity which has followed in its wake.

Global Health Watch 2 provides examples of civil society mobilization across the world for more equitable health care and more health promotion, although more is needed to bring about significant improvements in health.  Download GHW2  

Escalating health emergency in Gaza Medact co-signed letters to the press calling for an immediate ceasefire on humanitarian grounds and for respect of international humanitarian law - as a health organisation emphasising access to health care, the safety of health personnel and patients, and free passage for supplies for health service. To read the letter.  

Refugee Health Network (RHN) the network aims share information, resources and support.  Many of our members have years of professional experience and are willing to share this expertise with others. Above all it is a cooperative effort we all have something to share and something to learn.                   For further information

Enduring War & Health Inequality in Sri Lanka this evidence-based report by the Tamil Information Centre (TIC) analyses, from a human rights and public health perspective, the impact of the violent conflict in Sri Lanka on health, the health system, and relief and reconstruction. In particular it examines the deteriorating health of the population in the conflict zones of the North-East of Sri Lanka To downlaod the report