The World Health Organization
Introduction
The WHO is the United Nations’ specialized agency for health. It was established on the 7th of April 1948. WHO’s objective, as set out in its Constitution, is the attainment by all peoples of the world of the highest possible level of health, as this is one of the preconditions for people to live in harmony and security. Health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social well being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This is to be promoted by the WHO regardless of race, religion, and political belief, economic or social condition.
All these principles are governed by the broader principles set out in the United Nations Charter.
Key organs of the WHO are the World Health Assembly (WHA), Executive Board, and Secretariat. The WHA is the supreme decision making body of the WHO. It generally meets in Geneva in May each year and is attended by delegations from all 192 member states of the United Nations. Its main function is to determine the policies of the WHO. The Executive Board is composed of 32 members technically qualified in the field of health. Its main functions are to give effect to the decisions and policies of the WHA, to advise it, and generally facilitate its work. The Secretariat is staffed by some 3500 health and other experts and supports staff at the Head Quarters, 6 regional offices and countries.
At
SMAMUN we will be simulating the WHA. Each of you will be present as an
ambassador of your country.
The Middle East has been the centre point of attention in the international media for more than 5 years. Due to the ongoing War on Terror by USA since 2001, the Middle East has been the most affected region in the world. Also the crisis between Israel and Palestine adds to the already tense situation. And now the war between Israel and Hezbollah has begun in Lebanon.
WHO's emergency team continues to support the humanitarian response in Lebanon. Access remains a major problem due to security; safe humanitarian areas would make a difference in getting help to the people who need it. People have little or no access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities. There is a danger of epidemics and chronic illnesses amongst the refugees. The evacuees are massing up in gymnasiums, school and office buildings amongst other shelters.
A simillar image is the situation in Iraq. There is absolutely no security at all in the capital, as the daily news reports are witness enough to the situation. Clean water, medicines and sanitation facilities are no more available due to the collapse and destruction of the infrastructure. Hospitals struggle to cope with the wounded that are brought in round the clock.
Delegates are expected to have an up to date knowledge of the geopolitical and sociopolitical situations in the region. Main references will be made to Lebanon and Iraq, while any similar regions may also brought into debate. Focus of debate will be the health and humanitarian situation and means to help and solve the problems. As such issues and conditions vary from hour to hour, the most recent situation at the time of the conference will be considered into debate.
Africa has always been a centre point of attention for the WHO. Ever since its formation in 1948, the WHO has been focusing its efforts on the different regions of Africa, with varying degrees of success.
At SMAMUN we will be dealing with West Africa and The Horn of Africa.
The Horn of Africa: The Horn of Africa region (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia and Sudan) is facing severe food insecurity due to the prolonged drought throughout the region. Reduced food intake and lack of varied diet, leading to malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies (e.g. vitamin A) will result in increased morbidity and mortality, particularly from communicable diseases. Disease, in turn, will aggravate nutritional losses.
Poor nutrition, a rising number of people living with HIV/AIDS, and increased trends of other communicable and infectious diseases, all contribute to high levels of morbidity and mortality in the region. The unstable political and economic situation in the countries of the region further complicates this crisis.
Malaria, tuberculosis, leprosy, acute respiratory infections, sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS are among the most common diseases prevailing in the region, and epidemic-prone diseases include measles and meningitis. The incidence of chronic diseases – although low – is increasing in the area.
In order to address this emergency, the strengthening of health systems and services, in particular the provision of essential drugs and medicines, prevention and control of communicable diseases and improved blood safety, is imperative. Further, improving public health through interventions in the areas of nutrition, reproductive health and mental health is also to be considered a priority.
West Africa: The conflicts in the West
Africa region have created a pattern of humanitarian needs that transcend
national borders. Cote d’Ivoire is experiencing a stalemate in the peace
process, the reintegration and reconstruction process is slow in Liberia and
there is political tension and social unrest in Guinea.
Main concerns are for the conflicts and
civil wars, the emergency situations in Hospitals which deal with the wounded
brought in for treatment, and managing the aftermath of the most severe locust
invasion in 15 years that has crippled the economies of the region. It must be
noted that the countries in the region are mostly composed of countries at the
very bottom of the Human Development Index (HDI).
Health systems have weakened and
services tend to shrink around cities, leaving great numbers of people unable to
access adequate health care, especially along the borders. Health threats
include HIV/AIDS, malaria, measles, Lassa fever, meningitis, cholera and yellow
fever. Sexual gender based violence is widely used as a weapon of war. The
consequences not only include psychological damage but also an increased number
of unwanted pregnancies and abortion, as well as the acceleration of the spread
of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
The health goals include efforts to save lives and reduce avoidable morbidity and mortality through coordinated public health interventions at national and international level. Setting up better targeted and cost effective actions, information management and strengthened disease surveillance and response for urgent humanitarian efforts are the crux of the development programme. Delegates are expected to tackle the different health problems keeping in mind the conflicts, economic situations and particularly the lack of infrastructure in the region.
Research sources
Valuable data can be found at various WHO websites. Up to date data and situations can be referred at the CNN, BBC and other news network sites.
WHO official site www.who.int
CNN www.cnn.com
BBC www.bbc.co.uk
Country stances can be researched on various sites of the particular country.
Aside from these Encyclopedias such as Encarta and Britannica are also useful.