Dr. Ira Helfand is co-president of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), a nonpartisan federation of national medical groups in 64 countries dedicated to mobilizing the influence of the medical profession against the threat of nuclear weapons. For its work, IPPNW received the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize.

Dr. Helfand has also served as past president of Physicians for Social Responsibility, the U.S. affiliate of IPPNW. In both roles, he has spoken tirelessly about the medical consequences of nuclear war. He also serves as a steering group member for the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, (ICAN-2017 Nobel Peace Prize laureate organization).