In July, Blog for Iowa will present some different news sources on Feature Friday as the regular editors take summer break. This week is a blog post from International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War on the relationship between gun violence and public health from the IPPNW Peace and Health Blog.

The 8th Biennial Meeting of States of the UN Programme of Action (UN PoA) on Small Arms and Light Weapons convened June 27, 2022 at the UN headquarters in New York City. This 2001 international agreement’s overarching goal was to reduce human suffering. Over two decades later, the goal has not been realized. Health effects of the horrific gun violence that continues worldwide ranges from death to physical injury to mental and emotional consequences that can last a lifetime.

IPPNW has advocated for decades that gun violence is a public health crisis, not just a police and security issue. We submitted the following statement to be delivered to States Parties of the UN PoA: (click on the link below to read the statement):

Gun Violence: A Public Health Crisis