"The International Child Health Group held their annual conference online on 26th November 2025. Titled 'Hope across borders: Protecting Children in Global Health Crises',delegates joined from across the globe to hear from experts working with children in some of the most challenging situations.
Over the day, there were humbling stories shared by colleagues working with children and families living in various conflict zones including in Yemen, Gaza, Ukraine and those working with children who have fled such heartbreaking situations. Amidst these devastatingly difficult conditions, we heard how committed child health professionals and Non-Governmental Organisations continue to save lives and restore hope by focussing on doing simple things well; supporting, sustaining and protecting breastfeeding in conflict zones, recognising the fundamental need for local leadership and the value of peer psychological support wherever possible. All attending were invited to consider the impact of toxic stress on children as a result of armed conflict and the need for better research and the combatting of colonial history in order to change the narrative for the children of tomorrow.
Key takeaway points included:
- Children are disproportionately affected by crises and should be prioritized in emergency planning and response (Dr Tsitsi Chawatama-Kwambana).
- Health workers face significant challenges in war zones, highlighting the need for peace (Professor Najla Al-Sonboli).
- Digital health can support maternal mental health and breastfeeding for displaced mothers when designed around trust and culture (Ms Yafa Ajweh)
- Children remain vulnerable during conflicts, requiring efforts to address and mitigate risks (Dr Gavin Wooldridge)
- Colonialism has shaped global health, and awareness can help promote equity (Dr Ayesha Kadir)
- Taking care of children in conflict settings requires experience, expertise, and a decolonial lens (Dr Daniel Martinez Garcia)
- Addressing power imbalances in academia is crucial for just partnerships (Professor Maju Brunette)
- Empowering young professionals can unlock solutions for adolescents in crisis (Ms Yevheniia Usychenko)
- Paediatricians have a responsibility to advocate for children's rights and protection (Dr Kiran Rahim)
The conference closed with a call to action from ISSOP President Professor Jeffrey Goldhagen: in order to make a difference for generations to come, Paediatric Health Professionals must find their place at the tables where global decisions are made, recognise their agency and work collaboratively to speak up for children impacted by conflict. With Eglantyne Jebb(founder of Save The Children)'s words ringing in their ears since the opening keynote, delegates were provided with an advocacy action pack to be able to put learning into action: "Every war is a war against children" and "It's impossible only if we make it so. It's impossible only if we refuse to attempt it."
This advocacy action pack [1]https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5fc61b5062a5cf4bd2210fea/t/697684... is also available at ICHG site
[2] http://www.internationalchildhealthgroup.org
Following on from the conference there are 3 key questions we'd welcome discussion within the CHIFA Community:
1. How can/do we as global child health professionals prioritise children's needs in emergency planning and response, particularly in conflict settings, to ensure their protection, health, education, and psychosocial well-being?
2. What strategies can we as child health professionals use to advocate for children's rights and protection in conflict settings, and how can we address the impact of colonialism and power imbalances on global health? Are there resources we should add to our advocacy action pack?
3. How can we empower young people and local communities to develop solutions for children in crisis, and what role can/do we play in shaping policies and humanitarian pathways to support children's survival and development?
We very much lok forward to hearing your thoughts.
Many thanks,
Rebecca, on behalf of ICHG.
CHIFA profile: Rebecca Rhodes is a Junior Doctor currently doing general medicine/surgical rotations through Hospitals in the East Midlands, UK. She has always had an interest in the role of paediatrics in the developing world and has had a short but valuable experience contributing to paediatric care in rural Bangladesh as well as a longer period of time working with young people with disabilities from ethnic minorities. In the future Rebecca is very keen to contribute what she can professionally to promote and improve child health in the developing world and seeks to learn how this can be done. rebeccarhodes@doctors.org.uk