The effects of the armed conflict on the life and health in Colombia

Abstract

This article is an approach to the consequences of the internal armed conflict that Colombia has lived during the last four decades. It starts with the identification of the conflict's context and its current characteristics. It then focuses on the different manifestations and consequences of the conflict and on their deep impact on the life, quality of life, health, disease, and health services of the population. In special we refer to the high homicide rates, forced internal displacement, kidnapping and the use of antipersonnel mines. Among the most affected groups are young men, women, children, and ethnic minorities such as indigenous and afro-american people. This analysis also refers to the frequent violations of International Humanitarian Law and to the negative impact of violence on the provision of health services. Finally, general conclusions are drawn, and alternatives for studies on the problem and for possible solutions from the standpoint of the health sector are proposed.

Frecuencia y variables asociadas a estigma-discriminación percibido en víctimas del conflicto armado colombiano

“…Frequency and variables associated with perceived devaluation-discrimination in victims of the armed conflict in Colombia Frequência e variáveis associadas à estigma-discriminação percebido em vítimas do conflito armado colombiano (M = 47,9;DE = 14,2); 67,4%, mujeres; 109 (11,6%) …”

An update on the myxomycete biota (Amoebozoa: Myxogastria) of Colombia

“…Unfortunately, socio-political conflicts in forested areas of Colombia have affected human activities in this part of the world for almost 50 years already (Franco et al 2006). Among these activities, biological research has suffered a major impact due its field-based approach.…”

Whose adequacy? (Re)imagining food security with displaced women in Medellín, Colombia

“…Here, the majority of the displaced end up in slums on the periphery of the city, where their struggles to find suitable livelihood opportunities and food security are particularly marked because displacement to urban areas devalues their rural/agricultural productive skills (IDMC 2009;Ibáñez and Moya 2006). Women are particularly and exceptionally affected by such displacement most simply because in most Colombian households women are the ones in charge of procuring food (Franco et al 2006;Osorio Pérez 2008). In addition, because of the higher rates of poverty they experience, women and households led by women also show the greatest symptoms of food insecurity, and this food insecurity tends to be greatest in urban areas (IDMC 2009;WCRWC 1999).…”

“…Yet, numerous studies on such programs indicate that these have been inadequate or insufficient in addressing the basic needs of IDW (IDMC 2009;Franco et al 2006). Charged with providing food for their families, women must then (Re)imagining food security with displaced women in Medellín, Colombia resort to extreme measures, which leave children unattended and vulnerable to urban violence.…”