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Complex emergencies (CEs) have been the most common human-generated disaster of the past two decades. These internal conflicts and associated acts of genocide have been poorly understood and poorly managed. This article provides an epidemiological background and understanding of developing and developed countries, and chronic or smoldering countries' CEs, and explains in detail the prevailing models of response seen by the international community. Even though CEs are declining in number, they have become more complex and dangerous. The UN Charter reform is expected to address internal conflicts and genocide but may not provide a more effective and efficient means to respond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is experiencing unprecedented violence and threats of violence, taking the form of complex internal nation-state conflicts, unconventional or guerrilla warfare against established governments, and stateless threats of terrorism by potential biologic, chemical, and nuclear weapons. What happens locally has immediate ramifications internationally. Real and potential health consequences of these events have evoked global concerns and realization that capacities and capabilities to respond to such events require unparalleled integration, coordination, and cooperation of the international community. However, politics and the institutions singular governments form are inherently limited in their objectives and capability to effectively respond. Public health, broadly defined, must be recognized as a security and strategic requirement, one that serves to build a foundation for an international integrated response capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health care and health security are the fundamental pillars of disaster preparedness and crisis management. An established routine health care is necessary for any society, enabling full access to care and fulfilling the rights of every individual. Health security, on the other hand, is what a society needs to be flexible in managing an unexpected situation. To overcome a disaster with minimal damage or to avert such a critical situation, health care and health security should exist simultaneously. Thus, resilience in disaster preparedness and crisis management requires investment in both health care and health security. This ensures local public health services and infrastructure, local ambulances, both acute and chronic care referral systems, prompt vaccinations, and prevention of communicable diseases to name but a few. These measures which have proven to be the most sensitive evaluation of fair governance are critically absent in several nations, particularly in areas with long-standing conflicts. Strengthening health care and health security measures are paramount to the maintenance of the health system in peace and recovery of health delivery post-conflict and require political and economic considerations.

The extensive history of pandemics has spanned many centuries, profoundly impacting societies, economies, and public health, and thereby shaping the course of history in various ways. Advances in medicine, science, and public health practices have played a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of pandemics over time. This review explores the scientific landscape of contemporary pandemics, examining their diverse and complex nature. It goes beyond the biological aspects of pandemics to consider socioeconomic, environmental, and technological factors. Through a scientific lens, this study aims to understand the complexities of pandemics and contribute to the expanding knowledge base that helps humanity strengthen its defenses against global health threats. By elucidating the enigmas of pandemics, the study hopes to foster a more resilient and prepared global health environment. Highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary, cross-disciplinary, and transdisciplinary approach, this exploration emphasizes the critical need to integrate biological, socioeconomic, environmental, and technological domains to develop more robust defenses against these global health challenges.

The purpose of World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) is to provide timely, high-quality health services in the immediate aftermath of disasters and during disease outbreaks and other emergencies, including conflict and insecurity.The war in Ukraine has presented all health-care providers with many unique challenges. This assessment addresses the importance and the complexities of the global spread of the Emergency Medical Team system challenges to meet a wide variety of crises including war, those that are unique to this very complex crisis in Ukraine, and the essential role of educational initiatives, not only in professional development but also in teamwork and cultural integration.