Armed conflicts continue to expose millions of children to life-threatening risks, including acute injuries, infectious outbreaks, psychological trauma, malnutrition, and the breakdown of essential health services. In many regions—such as Palestine, but also Yemen, Syria, Sudan, Ukraine, and other conflict-affected areas—children face disproportionate harm and long-term health consequences that extend far beyond the cessation of hostilities.

To mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (29 November 2025), Frontiers in Pediatrics joins the global scientific and humanitarian community in highlighting the urgent need for evidence-based strategies that protect, heal, and empower children living through war and political instability.

Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), this Research Topic seeks to amplify research that advances the health, safety, and dignity of children affected by conflict, displacement, and chronic insecurity.

We especially welcome multidisciplinary, data-driven submissions addressing, but not limited, to the following subjects:

• Pediatric Trauma & Emergency Care in Conflict Settings:
Management of blast injuries, burns, crush trauma, emergency surgical care, and gaps in pediatric-specific protocols in war zones.

• Breakdown of Health Systems & Access to Care:
Studies on disrupted vaccination programs, shortages of essential medicines, barriers to hospital access, and functional collapse of neonatal and pediatric units.

• Impact of Conflict on Infant & Child Nutrition:
Research on acute malnutrition, breastfeeding barriers, food insecurity, micronutrient deficiencies, and growth outcomes in displaced or besieged populations.

• Infectious Diseases in Humanitarian Crises:
Outbreak dynamics of measles, diarrheal diseases, respiratory infections, and vector-borne illnesses exacerbated by overcrowding and poor sanitation.

• Mental Health & Developmental Consequences:
Psychological trauma, PTSD, toxic stress, neurodevelopmental impacts, and access to child psychiatry/psychosocial support in conflict zones.

• Maternal, Neonatal & Reproductive Health Under Conflict:
Birth outcomes, prenatal/antenatal care disruptions, preterm birth, neonatal mortality, and maternal stress and health in unstable environments

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Children in Conflict: Safeguarding Health and Dignity in War-Affected Zones Worldwide