State legitimacy and capacity are foundational to both the onset and termination of civil wars. Despite their importance, the mechanisms through which they operate remain underexplored. My research delves into global health initiatives, providing insights into how these initiatives directly influence state legitimacy and contribute to the cessation of civil conflict. By investigating this dynamic, I aim to elucidate the processes by which enhancing state legitimacy can be leveraged as a tool for conflict resolution. My research agenda is centered on the critical intersection of conflict resolution, state capacity and legitimacy, and global health. It focuses on how a state’s ability to deliver essential services, specifically vaccinations, can bolster state legitimacy and facilitate conflict resolution in fragile and conflict-affected states. Vaccination programs serve as a compelling type of service provision due to their widespread reach and impact on public health, which, in turn, reinforces the perception of a state’s effectiveness and benevolence.