The deleterious effects of war and conflict on the provision of health care for vulnerable populations and the potential effects of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations in conflict zones

Conflict as opposed to just war, has devastating effects on the host population in a variety of ways. The plight of the internally displaced population (internal refugees) and the increased urbanization of this latter phenomenon, pose stark challenges on an already broken and beleaguered administration that may or may not be sympathetic to the needs of its people. We discuss the effects of conflict on the provision of health care, hygiene, sanitation, mental health as well as maternal and child health. Finally, we discuss the added complication and implications of the current COVID-19 pandemic ravaging health infrastructures worldwide.