15 November, 2023
ERS/ELF statement of support for all victims of global conflicts
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the European Lung Foundation (ELF) offer sincere condolences to all those who have lost loved ones and continue to suffer due to acts of violence across the globe.
We stand in solidarity with all those affected by global conflicts and fully support efforts by all humanitarian organisations to protect all victims. We specifically offer our help and support wherever we can to patients and healthcare professionals, working and surviving in extremely difficult conditions.
As a medical society and a patient-driven organisation, our mission is to help and heal, and we strongly oppose all acts of violence. Conflicts, such as war, territorial disputes, terrorism, sectarian conflicts, and discrimination against minorities, are all against the spirit of healthcare. In addition to huge numbers of civilian casualties, these situations cause catastrophic shortages of necessities such as clean drinking water, medical supplies, or access to treatment. The displacement and destruction of healthcare infrastructure has tragic knock-on effects, with inevitable further loss of life.
ERS has collated some external resources that may be of value to healthcare professionals working in the context of conflict. These can be accessed from the ERS website.
ELF can also offer a range of resources, including contacts at national/local patient organisations and respiratory disease factsheets available in multiple languages.