Addressing global gun violence: a Lancet Commission on Global Gun Violence and Health

This text announces the launch of the Lancet Commission on Global Gun Violence and Health, framing civilian gun violence as a major, preventable global health crisis responsible for an estimated 600 deaths per day worldwide. The authors highlight how gun violence disproportionately affects young people and marginalized populations, while also undermining social cohesion, economic development, trust in institutions, and the functioning of health systems. They argue that decades of political inaction and unchecked commercial interests have normalized violence and obstructed effective policy responses.

The Commission aims to generate an interdisciplinary, evidence-led understanding of guns as a global health risk, integrating epidemiological, economic, sociopolitical, and cultural perspectives across income settings. Ultimately, it seeks to translate research into policy action at national and international levels to reduce the health and social harms of gun violence.