20th International Association of Health Policy in Europe – IAHPE Conference
Public health and healthcare under war economy and imperialist warfare
23 – 26 September 2027, Bologna – Italy
The International Association of Health Policy in Europe (IAHPE) announces the 20th IAHPE Conference.
The conference will convene in Bologna from September 23th to 26th, 2027, in collaboration with
the University of Bologna and the Centre for International and Intercultural Health (CSI), and under the general theme: “Public Health and Healthcare Under War Economy and Imperialist Warfare”.
The conference occurs during a period characterized by escalating peripheral armed conflicts, trade wars, and geopolitical antagonisms over the control of resources and energy corridors. The ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people, the military invasions in Venezuela and Iran, the war in Ukraine, and the economic blockade of Cuba signify a critical escalation in imperialist aggression. These developments are the symptoms of a cynical economic system that prioritizes capital accumulation and profit generation over human and planetary well-being. Furthermore, numerous European states are now systematically prioritizing warfare spending by reducing social welfare budgets, while concurrently militarizing healthcare infrastructure, medical education, and research in anticipation of a broader armed conflict. This global shift toward militarization—compounded by climate instability and renewed investment in nuclear weapons of mass destruction—poses severe existential risks to global population health.
Drawing upon IAHPE’s nearly 50 years history of scholarly tradition and activism, the 20th IAHPE
Conference will focus on the contemporary developments in public health and health policy within the context of war economies and imperialist warfare, preparing for the current and forthcoming global health challenges, and inviting contributions addressing, but not restricted to, the following themes:
War, armed conflicts and health.
War economy, public expenditure, austerity and health.
Healthcare Inequities and the struggle for health.
Planetary health, climate change, and health
Migration, forced migration, displacement, and health.
International Trade, multilateral funding institutions, European Union and global health
governance.
Emerging Public Health Threats and health system preparedness.
Universal Healthcare Care and the privatization of health services.
Equitable Access and Distribution of vaccines and pharmaceuticals.
Health Care Workforce structural challenges and struggles.
Academic Freedom and the commodification of public health research and education.
Social Movements, international solidarity, and public health activism
Abstract Submission Deadline 31.05.2027
The abstract submission portal, venues, and the official program of the conference will be published on IAHPE’s website: https://iahponline.org. Inquiries regarding the program and abstract submissionsshould be directed to [iahp.online@gmail.com].
