"A much needed, eminently readable, concise and practical textbook ... New issues on humanitarian reform, non-communicable diseases, equity, corruption, and the role of military and private security firms are only some of the topics that have not been included in previous text books on this subject. I highly recommend this book for students and practitioners who wish to learn about the subject or simply update themselves on the latest developments in the field of conflict and public health."
Paul Spiegel, Deputy Director of the Division of Programme Support and Management at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Switzerland

"These are the most difficult environments to program in; physically, emotionally, politically and morally. Providing public health support and assistance here demands courage, rigor, a commitment to professionalism and an obsession with evidence. This book provides just such a foundation, equipping the student and practitioner to better understand the nature of conflict, the theory and practice of humanitarian assistance and the possibilities for recovery after conflict. It is destined to become an obligatory text for all humanitarian professionals."
Dr. Peter Walker, Irwin H. Rosenberg Professor of Nutrition and Human Security, Tufts University, USA

"This book is a unique and valuable addition to the study of the health consequences of conflict. In a concise and easy-to-read format, it provides the reader with a clear overview of a broad range of potentially complex issues, including context, policy, health interventions, field management, and post-conflict reconstruction. Few other texts have tackled the theory and practice of humanitarian health as effectively and succinctly."
Richard Brennan, Director of Emergency Risk Management and Humanitarian Response, World Health Organization

Part of the popular Understanding Public Health series, this book provides an introductory overview of current health-related challenges and policy debates on appropriate responses to different humanitarian conflicts. Written by experts, it explores the context of conflict and health, the interventions used in humanitarian crises and post-conflict resolution issues.

The book is packed with international case studies and real life examples, which will assist healthcare professionals and students to:

• Explain the political, economic and social factors contributing to conflict
• Interpret the effects of conflict on health
• Consider context-sensitive interventions for acute and chronic healthcare delivery and security
• Describe key issues in the transition from relief to rehabilitation, health systems strengthening, and post-conflict recovery

Knowledge of humanitarian principles, actors and methods is integral to effective action at policy and field levels in conflict-affected settings. This timely book will provide the ideal starting point.

Understanding Public Health is an innovative series published by Open University Press in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

Series Editors: Rosalind Plowman and Nicki Thorogood.

Contributors: Fiona Campbell, Steve Commins, Sophia Craig, Nadine Ezard, Michelle Gayer, Peter Giesen, Andre Griekspoor, Rukhsana Haider, Michiel Hofman, Mazeda Hossain, Natasha Howard, Chris Lewis, Adrianna Murphy, James Pallet, Valerie Parcival, Preeti Patel, Paul Sender, Egbert Sondorp, Jean-Francois Trani, Peter Ventevogel and Annemarie ter Veen.