This course from the University of Bergen introduces learners to the emerging field of medical peace work, examining how healthcare professionals can contribute to violence prevention and peacebuilding in global health contexts. It explores how conflict, violence, and health are deeply interconnected, positioning violence as a major determinant of illness and mortality worldwide.
Learners engage with real-world scenarios such as working in conflict zones, responding to nuclear events, and addressing the health impacts of climate change, migration, and infectious disease. These case studies are used to analyze ethical dilemmas, the role of medical neutrality, and the responsibilities of healthcare workers in crisis settings.
The course introduces key frameworks, including different forms and levels of violence (direct, structural, cultural) and strategies for prevention and response. By the end, participants develop a structured understanding of how health professionals can act as mediators, advocates, and agents of peace.
Overall, the course equips learners with interdisciplinary tools to address global health challenges through a peace-oriented lens.