World Health Organization
WHO
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency in the United Nations whose primary role is to direct international health within the United Nations' system and to lead partners in global health responses. In this committee, delegates will be discussing topics of global significance related to health, science, medicine, etc.
The overall focus of the World Health Organization as stated by its constitution “is the attainment by all people of the highest possible level of health.” For the betterment of the public, the committee specializes in many areas, such as promoting health research and education, providing leadership in international health situations, creating an internationally set standard and norm for health, monitoring health trends and matters globally, to track infectious disease and possible threats, and to assist governments upon request in strengthening health services.
With the recent global pandemic there has been a spotlight on WHO and their efforts to provide aid during this time. Highly infectious diseases and their spread have always been a focus of the WHO, and the organization is responding with all of its resources, while upholding the United Nations ideals of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity, along with the basic principles of human rights.
Topic 1: Ensuring equality in the distribution of medical supplies for the prevention of HIV/AIDS.
Despite the scientific advances and further knowledge of the HIV virus, it remains a major global public health issue, as the virus has claimed approximately 33 million lives. According to the WHO, “There were an estimated 38.0 million people living with HIV at the end of 2019.” HIV is one of the world’s most serious health challenges, and it impacts several regions around the world. The most vulnerable populations remain more vulnerable to HIV infections, and many lack access to proper treatment. Finally, the prevention tools and methods are not being distributed equally which prevents people from having access to proper treatment. It is imperative that there is equality in the distribution of medical supplies for the prevention of HIV/AIDS to help mitigate the effects of the deadly diseases.
Topic 2: Devising fundamental improvement plans for public health systems in Least Developed Countries.
Many Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are facing critical situations regarding their medical, and health conditions. Africa, the continent with the most LDCs, is in a significant medical crisis, according to the United Nations. Approximately 1.6 million Africans died of malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV-related illnesses in 2015. These diseases can be prevented or treated with timely access to appropriate and affordable medicines, vaccines, and other health services. However, less than 2% of drugs consumed in Africa are produced on the continent, meaning that many sick patients do not have access to locally produced drugs and may not afford to buy the imported ones. Thus, health care systems need to be improved. In the case of building a Public Health System in LDCs, a major portion of the infrastructure needed would likely be absent in the nation. Hence, basic infrastructure such as administrative organizations, medical centers need to be built. To reach a constructive system, an efficient distribution of funds and financial resources would be required, essentially alarming the need for financial support for the LDCs.