The urgency of integrating security and public health responses worldwide

Terrorism and political violence affect not only security but also people's physical health, mental well-being, and the strength of health systems. Many wealthy countries focus mainly on military and security responses, while most lower-income countries see terrorism as linked to social, economic, and political problems that also harm public health. When responses focus only on security, health systems are often left unprepared, leading to long-term problems such as trauma, disrupted healthcare, and reduced vaccination coverage. Fear, stress, and indirect exposure to violence can damage mental health across entire societies, even among people not directly attacked. Intergrating public health with security policies creates more effective, humane, sustainale responses that protect lives, strengthen health systems, and build long-term resilience.