[Possibility for the health sector to actively contribute to peace-making and peace-keeping].

Conflict is one of the leading causes of death, disease and suffering. In the past, physicians mainly contributed to peace processes through humanitarian relief of suffering. Physicians can also play an active role in the prevention of violent conflict and in rehabilitation in post-conflict societies. This article is a brief overview of current knowledge about the active role which health personnel can play in peace processes. This is described in more detail in international scientific journals under the terms ''Peace through Health'' and ''Health as a Bridge to Peace''.