Dear Editor,

We would like to discuss the article “Peacebuilding Through Cooperation in Health Care and Public Health Between Israel and Palestine” by Landesman et al, which appears in the May 2024 issue of the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice. In summary, the paper cites successful prior collaborations between Palestinians and Israelis in the health care sector to examine the possibility for cooperation in public health and health care as a means of peacebuilding between Israel and Gaza. It draws attention to the advantages of such collaboration in enhancing health outcomes and fostering community links. However, suggested measures encouraging such collaboration have been placed on hold due to the current hostilities between Israel and Hamas. In order to rehabilitate Gaza’s health care system and advance regional peace, the paper makes the case that sustained support for joint medical initiatives between Israelis and Palestinians is crucial. It suggests utilizing funds from agencies like USAID and already existing NGO projects to promote intercommunity collaboration and enhance public health results. We concur that the approach is helpful and that it ought to be relevant to similar conflict situations worldwide. For instance, the idea of employing health cooperation as a tool for peacebuilding may also be used in our region of Indochina, given the ongoing turmoil in Myanmar, which has left the populace facing serious health issues. Enhancing cooperation across disputing groups in Myanmar’s health care system could lead to better health results, increased trust, and the establishment of a foundation for regional peace. In order to advance peace and enhance public health outcomes in conflict areas, Landesman and colleagues highlight the significance of funding cooperative health programs. Sustainability in health difficulties in conflict situations can be achieved through promoting community-based efforts, collaborating, and sharing resources.

Sincerely,

Hinpetch Daungsupawong, PhD

Rujittika Mungmunpuntipantip, PhD

Viroj Wiwanitkit, MD

Hinpetch Daungsupawong, PhD, is a medical scientist and private academic consultant. His focus interest is on public health and medical science.

Rujittika Mungmunpuntipantip, PhD, is a medical scientist and private academic consultant. His focus interest is on public health and medical science.

Viroj Wiwanitkit, MD, is a distinguished professor with more than 4000 international publications. His focus interest is on public health, infectious disease, informatics, and tropical medicine.