Ärzt*innen in sozialer Verantwortung e.V. (IPPNW)

The International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) is an international physicians' organization founded in 1980 that advocates for the disarmament of nuclear weapons and the prevention of wars. Founded by American and Soviet doctors, the IPPNW is headquartered in Malden, Massachusetts, USA, and has a strong presence in over 56 countries worldwide[3][4].

The main mission of the IPPNW is the abolition of nuclear weapons and the prevention of armed conflicts. The organization is based on the principle that physicians have a special responsibility to protect the lives and health of people. Through their work, they aim to raise public and political awareness of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear war[1][3][4].

• Research and Education: The IPPNW conducts research on the health, social, and political impacts of wars and armed conflicts. They inform the public and political decision-makers about the medical and environmental consequences of nuclear wars and other armed conflicts[1][3][4].
• Campaigns and Activities: The organization conducts various campaigns, such as the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) and the "Aiming For Prevention" (AFP) program, to prevent the use of nuclear weapons and reduce armed violence worldwide. They played a significant role in the adoption of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which came into force in 2021[3][4].
• Medical Peace Education: The IPPNW is engaged in medical peace education worldwide, particularly in conflict-affected regions such as the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. They support civilian peace services as an alternative to military interventions[3].

• Nuclear Disarmament: A central goal of the IPPNW is the complete abolition of nuclear weapons. To achieve this, they work closely with international partners and NGOs to gain political and public support for these goals[3][4].
• Environmental Protection and Health: The organization investigates and publishes data on the health and environmental consequences of the production, testing, and use of nuclear weapons. They also advocate for environmentally friendly energy policies and against the use of nuclear energy[1][3][4].
• Social Responsibility: The IPPNW is involved in various social and humanitarian areas, such as supporting refugees, providing medical care in war zones, and combating xenophobia. The name of the German section, "Ärzt*innen in sozialer Verantwortung e.V. (IPPNW)", reflects this comprehensive approach[2].

The IPPNW received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985 for its "informed and important informational work" and its role in raising awareness of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear war. Additionally, the ICAN campaign initiated by the IPPNW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017 for its efforts in the adoption of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons[1][3][4].

The IPPNW remains an important voice in the global movement for peace, disarmament, and social responsibility, tirelessly advocating for a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons and armed violence.

• 1 - https://flexikon.doccheck.com/de/IPPNW
• 2 - https://www.ippnw.de/der-verein/geschichte-der-ippnw/artikel/de/geschichte-der-bundesdeutschen-ippnw-1.html
• 3 - https://www.ippnw.org/about
• 4 - https://www.ippnw.org/about/ippnw-a-brief-history
• 5 - https://www.ippnw.de/der-verein/geschichte-der-ippnw/ippnw-chronologie.html