AbstractThe author points out that while a number of serious diseases have been eradicated in the recent past, most people in the world still have no access to basic health services. He argues that public health efforts should be given new priorities. War is of course a scourge which has not been eradicated, despite its immense impact on the state of health of entire populations. The author suggests that the same efforts should be undertaken to prevent armed conflict from breaking out and public health from deteriorating. He discusses a number of ways in which health personnel might contribute to such preventive action. Doctors, nurses and other health professionals are particularly well qualified to participate in such efforts as they are close to those who are affeded by war.