I think this language started because healthcare advocacy organizations are trying to draft in the wake of military propaganda. Many governments of countries w

I think this language started because healthcare advocacy organizations are trying to draft in the wake of military propaganda. Many governments of countries with active militaries (e.g. the US) spend a lot of money convincing the populace that fighting wars on the government's behalf is a great thing. Why not try to recapture that free advertising for a war on poverty, a war on drugs, or a war on cancer? IMO it's not a particularly healthy analogy but it's what we're steeped in.