What is Health as a Bridge for Peace
Health as a Bridge for Peace (HBP) is a multidimensional policy and planning framework which supports health workers in delivering health programmes in conflict and post-conflict situations and at the same time contributes to peace-building. It is defined as the integration of peace-building concerns, concepts, principles, strategies and practices into health relief and health sector development.
The Health as a Bridge for Peace concept is rooted in values derived from human rights and humanitarian principles as well as medical ethics. It is supported by the conviction that it is imperative to adopt peace-building strategies to ensure lasting health gains in the context of social instability and complex emergencies.
In achieving the primary goal of health for societies prone to and affected by war, we as health professionals recognize responsibilities to create opportunities for peace.
Health as a Bridge for Peace was formally accepted by the 51st World Health Assembly in May 1998 as a feature of the ‘Health for All in the 21st Century’ strategy.
The United Nations Secretary-General, in his October 2000 report on the implementation of the "Brahimi Report", stresses the need for "mobilizing all relevant resources of the United Nations system and other international actors in support of [...] activities so that they contribute to peace".