The greatest impact of war and conflict

OBJECTIVE To review the available literature, explore developmental vulnerability, and highlight long‐term outcomes found in children exposed to complex humanitarian emergencies (CHEs). DESIGN Literature review. RESULTS Children involved in CHEs are at risk for a number of poor long‐term outcomes. Children exposed to malnutrition during the first two trimesters and early in life are at risk for poor cognitive, behavioral and psychological function. The existing literature consistently describes the high incidence of psychological trauma experienced by children involved in CHEs. There is limited research examining the long‐term outcomes and/or effectiveness of interventions applied in these children. CONCLUSIONS These insults affect children's subsequent development and diminish their ability to function successfully as adults. Communities suffer from these insults for decades as these children become the adults challenged with rebuilding their societies and avoiding future conflict. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Recognition of children's vulnerability, advocacy on the part of child health professionals and inclusion of appropriately trained child health specialists on emergency response teams are critical to minimizing children's risk of poor long‐term outcome. It is important to recognize the great amount of variability in children's resiliency and coping abilities. This variability is determined by a number of factors that are both fixed and modifiable. There are several broad, conceptual approaches that child health professional can employ to modify these factors, empower children and optimize long‐term outcome. Future research designed to examine these issues is greatly needed.