Sometimes there is no easy answer: Health care protection in conflict zones

Globally, health care providers and facilities are facing growing risks due to political instability, sieges, and warfare. Public health is indisputably at the forefront of saving lives during military operations. In the current climate of global adversity, public health professionals have the responsibility to be prepared at all times and well-informed when responding to medical crises in conflict situations. Complex humanitarian emergencies cause great disruption, disabling, damaging, destroying community well-being. Public health services are evidently at the leading edge of health planning and provision in mass casualty incidents. This editorial letter draws attention to the critical and current subject of health care and medical workers under attack in war zones. Criminal violence is against the law and an action that requires punishment. Lawful conduct that is part of a legally legitimate military operation must comply with the fundamental principles that govern armed conflict. It is important not to confuse the two actions in terms of clarity and purpose. As for the extremely topical and vital issue, this editorial letter calls upon all parties in relevant fields to refresh and update their knowledge of the International Humanitarian Law, the Geneva Conventions and the additional protocols in relation to current crises. Particular emphasis is placed on alerting both national and international audiences at this seminal turning point in history. When health care is faced with war-torn ethical damage, it is incumbent upon every professional to understand the context, to refrain from getting caught up in dilemmas, avoid getting carried away by popular tabloid trends.