Nuclear spending and global health: A physician’s reflection on human security
by Dr. Ghassan Shahrour
This article by Ghassan Shahrour reflects on the findings of ICAN’s 2025 report on nuclear weapons spending, which shows that nine nuclear-armed states spent $119 billion on their arsenals in a single year. Writing from the perspective of a physician, Shahrour contrasts these expenditures with unmet needs in health care, essential medicines, nutrition, and climate resilience. He argues that peace and public health are closely linked and examines how military priorities and corporate interests shape resource allocation. The article calls for renewed engagement by health professionals in advancing disarmament and human security.