Counsel #9 — Conflict And Violence

Picture: Counsel #9 — Conflict And ViolenceCSI 137.1

Conflict and violence can disrupt access to healthcare, as facilities may be damaged or destroyed, and health workers may be killed or displaced. Healthcare infrastructure can be damaged, and people may be afraid to go to hospitals or clinics for fear of being caught in the crossfire.^{[189]https://adventistreview.org/news/helping-save-lives-in-yemen/}CSI 137.2

Violence and conflict can also increase the risk of disease and injury, since people who are displaced by violence may be living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Also, people living in violent environments are more likely to suffer from mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).^{[190]https://adventist.news/news/adventists-issue-statement-on-peace}CSI 137.3

“He saves the needy from the sword, from the mouth of the mighty, and from their hand. So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts her mouth.” Job 5:15, 16 NKJVCSI 137.4

“I saw that it is in the providence of Christ that widows and orphans, the blind, the deaf, the lame, and persons afflicted in a variety of ways, have been placed in close Christian relationship to His church… Angels of God are watching to see how we treat these persons who need our sympathy, love, and disinterested benevolence.” Ellen White in Testimonies to the Church, vol. 3, p. 511CSI 137.5

Reflect: What correlation do you see between conflict and violence that disrupts access to health care and the rise of immigrants from war-torn countries?CSI 137.6