About MAPW
The Medical Association for Prevention of War (Australia)
The Medical Association for Prevention of War (Australia) (MAPW) was founded in 1981 and is the Australian affiliate of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), contributing to IPPNW almost since its inception.
MAPW aims for the elimination of all weapons of mass destruction, the prevention of armed conflict and to reduce the physical and psychological impact and the environmental effects of war.
MAPW promotes the use of human and technological resources for human and environmental wellbeing rather than the acquisition of armaments.
MAPW has branches in each Australian state and territory. The eight branch coordinators together with the executive body comprise the national council of the association. MAPW has an executive officer and a national office coordinator, both employed part-time. It is independent of all political parties.
MAPW was awarded the prestigious Australian Peace Award in 1986 from Prime Minister Bob Hawke during the International Year of Peace. The XIIIth IPPNW World Congress was held in Melbourne, Australia, in December 1998.
Mission statement
MAPW, as the Australian affiliate of the global federation International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, affirms the mission statement of IPPNW as its own: "IPPNW is a non-partisan international federation of physicians' organizations dedicated to research, education and advocacy relevant to the prevention of nuclear war. To this end, IPPNW seeks to prevent all wars, to promote non-violent conflict resolution and to minimise the effects of war on health, development and the environment."
MAPW's objectives are to:
* Consider and formulate the ethical responsibilities of physicians in relation to war;
* Inform medical practitioners, other health professionals, governments and the general public about the consequences to health of war and its preparation, particularly nuclear, chemical and biological warfare;
* Examine the psychological mechanisms by which people come to accept war as a necessity, and promote non-violent methods of conflict resolution at personal, community and national levels;
* Oppose the use of medical science for any purpose other than the prevention and relief of suffering;
* Urge that the financial, technical and human resources spent on armaments be directed to uses that promote the health and welfare of humanity; and
* Cooperate with all medical practitioners having the same aims, in all countries.
Involvement in ICAN
MAPW (Australia) is playing a leading role in the development and coordination of ICAN activities on behalf of IPPNW, in close consultation and cooperation with IPPNW's affiliates, board, executives and staff.
