Abstract

War-related health data challenges continue to undermine the ability of governments, humanitarian actors, and 
researchers to monitor population health, guide emergency response, and strengthen health systems. This 
narrative review synthesizes evidence on the availability, accessibility, quality, and governance of health data in 
conflict settings, drawing on examples from Ukraine, Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya, and Haiti. It 
highlights how conflict-induced disruptions, such as damaged infrastructure, insecurity, population displacement, 
political instability, and weakened governance, limit the generation and use of reliable health information. 
Challenges span multiple domains, including incomplete surveillance, fragmented data ecosystems, methodological 
constraints, ethical concerns, and inconsistent analytical practices. The review further explores innovations such 
as digital health tools, remote sensing, and integrated data systems that offer new opportunities for improved 
monitoring in crisis environments. By examining diverse case studies and outlining implications for humanitarian 
response and health system resilience, the review identifies actionable pathways for strengthening data 
standardization, coordination, and capacity-building, and ethical data governance. Addressing these challenges is 
essential for improving the accuracy, timeliness, and utility of health data in conflict-affected settings and for 
informing effective, evidence-based interventions.