Social determinants of health in countries in conflict - What is GIS ...

54 Social determinants of health in countries in conflict
In Afghanistan, the Ministry of Public Health is responding to particular health
problems. Prompted in part by the preliminary results of the 1999–2002 reproductive
age mortality study, the Ministry identified a reduction in maternal mortality as a major
objective [54].
In Lebanon, regular Ministry of Public Health services continued to be provided
during the 2006 conflict, in extremely difficult circumstances, and no major disease
outbreaks were recorded. Interventions that helped to mitigate the impact of the conflict
on health included collaborative activities and the expanding role of nongovernmental
organizations. As noted in the civil society report, the Ministries of Public Health and
Social Affairs provided full coverage of medical care for casualties irrespective of
nationality, including ambulatory services, hospitalization, prostheses and rehabilitation.
Emergency services were jointly managed by the private sector, nongovernmental
organizations, hospital syndicates, medical suppliers, the Lebanese Red Cross and Red
Crescent (with international partners), civil defence and the army. Two clusters were
established; one for hospital services and one for primary health care. With many new
nongovernmental organizations established, the activities of these organization have
included: directly providing health care; following IDPs back to their villages and
involving local residents in relief operations; supporting women in establishing small
enterprises; working with youth in the areas of entertainment, conducting awarenessraising
on behavioural issues and promoting sport.
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