War, Conflict, and Rheumatic Diseases in the Arab World

War and violence have become part of daily life in many areas of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), including some Arab countries, with profound consequences for both mental and physical health. Civil wars, prolonged political instability, large-scale refugee crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, and escalating economic challenges in several low- and middle-income countries across the region have had catastrophic effects on population health. Physicians working in conflict settings have been forced to fundamentally alter their practice, often rationing limited resources, working in primitive conditions, and adapting treatment approaches under extreme constraints. Data specifically addressing rheumatic diseases in the Arab world during periods of war and conflict remains scarce. Nevertheless, rates of non-communicable diseases and their associated risk factors, including musculoskeletal disorders, have steadily increased across the MENA region over recent decades. Rheumatologists in conflict-affected Arab countries frequently report increases in post-infectious reactive arthritis, complex regional pain syndrome, post-traumatic musculoskeletal injuries, and stress-related fibromyalgia. However, these trends remain insufficiently documented in the literature. Treatment interruptions, disruption of vaccination programs, destruction of sanitation infrastructure, increased disease burden, reduced access to healthcare facilities, and shortages of healthcare professionals due to migration have collectively had devastating effects on already fragile health systems. Public health policies and responses by international health organizations have often been slow and insufficiently aligned with the complex social, economic, and political realities faced by countries in the MENA region. To mitigate the health consequences of war, each country requires a tailored and adaptable healthcare strategy, supported by continuous monitoring and evaluation. At the same time, sustained diplomatic efforts remain essential to prevent conflict and to protect populations from the profound and lasting health consequences of war.