World Health Organization
Committee Background Guide
Central Texas Model United Nations (CTMUN)
Fall Conference
2024
LETTER FROM THE CHAIR
Dear delegates,
I am honored to welcome you all to the World Health Organization Committee at CTMUN
2024. My name is Habibatou Diallo and I will be your chair during this conference.
We have all collectively felt the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic left, and continues to have, on our
society. Forcing us to spend more time with our technology than ever before, we saw our interactions
online and in person change dramatically in a matter of months. This change was especially impactful for
children and adolescents, having to experience the health crisis of a lifetime, and missing out on
fundamental aspects of schooling and momentous occasions like graduation, all during the most
developmental time of their lives. The pandemic has also highlighted the need for more comprehensive
and collaborative research if we are to become better able to deal with global health emergencies. I look
forward to watching delegates search for solutions to these two very comprehensive issues, keeping the
health and well-being of the global population in mind.
I believe that delegates will instantly be able to recognize the importance of working towards a resolution
that benefits everyone as the uniqueness of this topic is in the fact that the pandemic and what is done
about it has worldwide implications. I expect that everyone in committee will treat their fellow delegate
with respect and act with the utmost level of professionalism.
I am excited to see how everyone approaches the committee and engages in this nuanced conversation. I
hope that CTMUN 2024 is a time of growth and I cannot wait to see you all! Have fun!
Best wishes,
Habibatou Diallo
The Chair, WHO Committee
[email protected]
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The World Health Organization was created in 1948, in the aftermath of World War
II, to serve as the official coordinating body for gathering data on and helping
countries organize their responses to major health issues. Their official mandate is
to “promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable”. Amongst the
many health issues the WHO has had a hand in, helping in the eradication of
smallpox by promoting vaccination in 1980 and lowering malaria transmission
rates through the combined efforts of vaccines and drugs, stand out among others.
The World Health Organization often also implements plans of action targeting
emerging major health problems around the world, such as the Comprehensive
Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030, which highlights the need for universal
mental health care. Because we have yet to eradicate all health disparities, the
importance of an organization like the WHO, one that strives to promote health
equity worldwide, is as vital as ever. As times have changed, so too has the World
Health Organization and its role in the global health community. Now, as we make
technological and medical advancements at exponential speeds, the work that the
WHO does supports the notion that before anything, it is an absolute necessity that
the health of the population is prioritized over everything else. Through continued
collaboration and conducting of world-class research, the World Health
Organization is working towards initiatives such as the Acess to COVID-19 Tools
(ACT) Accelerator, the Global Vaccine Safety Initiative & many more. The work
being done by the WHO continues to serve as a reminder that there is so much
more left to be done to make sure that having access to all the necessary resources
to ensure one’s continued health is seen as a right and not a luxury.
INTRODUCTION OF THE AGENDA
When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit in late 2019, no one could have
predicted just how much we would have changed as a world or that we would
still be grappling with its effects 5 years later. The staggering death toll has
cemented COVID-19 as one of the deadliest pandemics to date. It is hard to
forget the initial chaos brought on by the outbreak of cases, eventually
leading to quarantine in March 2020, with healthcare systems worldwide
being overwhelmed by more patients than they were prepared to deal with at
a time. Facing an effectively unknown virus, varying governmental responses
that fell on different ends of the spectrum, and a scared global population, the
challenge of dealing with a worldwide pandemic was made that much harder.
Shining a light on the already fractured aspects of different healthcare
systems, these institutions failed people on both sides.
On the one hand, healthcare workers were being pushed to the brink of
exhaustion, having to deal with an extensive overflow of patients and limited
resources, and on the other, in addition to many people not being able to
access life-saving care, there was also varying information being released as
to what the proper safety measure should be taken to keep them and their
family safe. Beginning in January 2020, the World Health Organization
steadily released correspondence to the public providing guidance on how to
deal with infectious disease outbreaks, what people could do on their own to
remain safe, and highlighting research as they began and looked into different
possible cures to the virus. The WHO officially declared on May 5, 2023, that
COVID-19 was no longer considered a Public Health Emergency of
International Concern (PHEIC), which meant that despite it still being a
major public health concern, the efforts of the WHO will be shifted so that it
would include COVID-19 among its research concerning other infectious
diseases.
Though we have made a lot of progress, it is evident that there is a lot
of work left to be done, as can be seen by the current state of the youth
around the world. For those already afflicted by health disparities, mental &
social disorders, or who struggled academically, due to lack of resources or
otherwise, circumstances were only made worse. However, adolescents of all
backgrounds were made victims of the pandemic, and in this committee, we
will be discussing what can be done to help the young people of the world as
they are forced to grow up and transition to adulthood in this new, unfamiliar
landscape. The effectiveness of the worldwide distribution of the COVID-19
vaccine when it began in December 2020 was proof of just how beneficial
collaboration in research is, especially when it comes to infectious diseases.
From the onset of the pandemic, the refusal of many countries to share
research, make genuine attempts at a unilateral global policy on the treatment
of the virus, and a lack of alignment of travel bans that could have potentially
prevented a further spread of COVID-19 all played a part in worsening its
impact. In this committee, we will discuss how vital it is to continue global
collaboration in research and policy-making as a means of preparedness for
dealing with infectious diseases effectively before they even arrive, and not
have to scramble to find solutions when it is already too late.
Topic 1: Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on the
Global Youth
History of the Problem
As we neared the end of 2019, many on social media reminisced over
the past decade, looking back at the many cultural phenomena and some
prominent moments in history and feeling hopeful for what the new decade
would bring us. 3 months into that new decade, the world united in
quarantining as we headed into unknown territory dealing with an unknown
disease. There is virtually no group of people who have not experienced
some of the adverse effects of the pandemic, from newborns to the
immunocompromised, but for the purposes of this committee, we will be
focusing on children and adolescents. So many kids having their schooling
interrupted, at all levels, proved to be more than damaging to testing scores
and the development of social skills. Beyond an aberrant disruption to
education all over the world, this committee will also explore how the
existing inequities in our schooling and healthcare systems were exposed and
sometimes even worsened, leaving some kids worse off than others.
Statement of the Problem
Arguably the most impacted by the switch to an online world due to the
pandemic were young students who had to adjust to a new style of learning
while still having to deal with the pandemic. Many educators who intended
on making a new format work for everyone, often fell short of reaching every
single student. The International Labor Organization reports that only 18% of
low-income students were able to continue their education, again highlighting
the gaps in access that meant some students felt the consequences of the
pandemic more severely than others. School for many students like this
served as a place of refuge. Be it to escape from a not-ideal home situation or
for the developmental opportunities granted by the option of various
after-school programs. For those who were already lacking access to
resources, not being able to go to school physically meant that they could not
access the few resources that they did have. Among these necessary
resources are food programs for those who are food insecure as well as
life-saving mental and physical health services provided for free in a safe
environment. For those in higher education, having to quarantine meant
losing the only community that they had, which is the case for many who
when they leave their college or graduate school campus, have nothing to go
back to, be it because of housing insecurity or otherwise. Moreso for those in
higher education, but also applicable to younger students who looked to their
schooling as a means of escape, the pandemic also meant a decrease in
educational and job opportunities following the completion of whatever level
of schooling they were in. The UN reports that nearly 23% of
18-24-year-olds who were employed before the pandemic are now out of a
job with many going into the future uncertain of what their job prospects look
like. Student performances also plummeted due to the lack of engagement
that came with online schooling among other factors. This, in turn, affected
teachers, who grew frustrated with their students' performance resulting in a
gruesome cycle of teachers growing dispassionate and sometimes even
quitting. This often led to students then being unable to receive a proper
education, with there currently still being a significant teacher shortage in
some parts of the world. Another factor that influenced students’
performances in school as well as their overall well-being, and continues to
do so, is the disconcerting nature in which the youth interact with one another
and others on social media. Though cyberbullying is not in any way a new
concept, the increased time spent on social media due to the pandemic and an
intertwining of one; 's online life with their real ones has greatly impacted the
already alarming youth mental health crisis. The results of an online survey
conducted in 2023 showed that around 48% of young people were
experiencing symptoms of depression and around 51% were experiencing
symptoms of anxiety. These figures were not nearly as large prior to
COVID-19, highlighting the correlation between a decrease in regular
interaction with peers and lacking the stability of a regular school structure
with the decrease in school performance and development of social skills.
Current Situation
In order to ensure that even people living in remote locations could get
the help they required, nations like Finland and New Zealand decided to
increase access to digital mental health services in order to battle the
pandemic's worsening effects on mental health. Programs like the
QualityRights Initiative and the Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030 are
now being implemented by the World Health Organization (WHO). Currently
concentrating on integrating mental health into primary care systems
worldwide, the Mental Health Action Plan was developed with the goals of
promoting mental well-being, preventing mental diseases, and providing care
for those affected. The European Union and Japan have implemented focused
job creation programs and skills development initiatives to increase youth
employment in response to the high rates of youth unemployment. To address
youth unemployment, global programs like the ILO's Global Initiative on
Decent Jobs for Youth are being launched. The goal of this program is to
increase youth job prospects by leveraging several industries. Currently,
partnerships are being formed with the private sector to provide
apprenticeships and skill training.
In summary, the COVID-19 epidemic has exposed the weaknesses in
our international systems, particularly concerning young people's mental
health, access to education, and financial security. There is still more work to
be done, even though numerous nations and international organizations like
the WHO have made tremendous efforts to address these issues. Sustained
international cooperation is necessary to create a future that is more robust
for the next generation. We must take the lessons we have learned from these
setbacks to improve our readiness for any upcoming emergencies.
Key Terms
● Youth Mental Health Crisis: how the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and other
mental health conditions is on the rise among young people, particularly in light of the
pandemic, and consider solutions to these problems.
● Access to Education: Analyze how the pandemic worsened gaps in low-income and
marginalized youth's access to high-quality education, and talk about possible ways to
repair these gaps.
● Youth Unemployment: Take steps to reduce the high rates of unemployment among
young people, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. You should also look into
programs that can assist in fostering work prospects and assisting aspiring young
entrepreneurs.
Topic 2: Enhancing Global Collaboration in Research
on Emerging Infectious Diseases
Statement of the Problem
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the panic experienced by the
global community seemed to only be worsened by the initial response of
governments worldwide. With many countries being unable or unwilling to
coordinate travel restrictions and health policies, the pandemic exposed how
a lack of global collaboration can worsen the effects of an already deadly
infectious disease. Beyond the potential for unity during times when the
world is collectively experiencing a health crisis, the sharing of resources and
knowledge can mean the difference between whether or not an infectious
disease outbreak evolves into a full-on outbreak. In this committee, delegates
will explore how global collaboration can be used in future responses to
emerging infectious diseases to ensure swift action is taken to save lives and
maintain communities around the world. This will include looking into the
success of past approaches around the world and the current continued
response to both COVID-19 and any other relevant emerging infectious
disease research, to apply what works in the future.
History of the Problem
The pandemic revealed many stark differences between the developed
and undeveloped world, particularly in how countries with inadequate
infrastructure and limited funding struggled to manage the crisis compared to
more resource-rich nations. The necessary advancements needed for all
countries to have equitable access to resources during a health crisis must
begin with the willingness of resource-rich countries to share their wealth and
knowledge. A pertinent case study is the development of the COVID-19
vaccine in 2020. Initially, there was significant pushback and restrictions
from some countries regarding the sharing of research and resources, which
historically has been a common issue in infectious disease research. The
results of this were evident: everyone fared worse off the less cooperative
there was worldwide; but, when cooperation surged around December 2020,
the vaccine's speedy development and subsequent rollout were made
possible. Beyond research, this collaboration includes coordinated global
distribution and advertising campaigns, evoking the triumphant global push
for the smallpox vaccination. The epidemic brought to light the critical
necessity for international cooperation in both government policy and
research. The virus spread to even the most remote parts of the planet at the
start of the epidemic due to a lack of policy coherence across nations. Some
governments' reluctance or delay, frequently justifying their actions by
claiming economic worries, further exacerbated the situation.
Current Situation
The necessary advancements needed for all countries to have access to
the same resources in the event of a health crisis begin with the willingness of
countries to share their scientific knowledge and collaborate on creating
effective public health policies. Numerous initiatives already exist with the
goal of promoting this international cooperation. One such project is the
Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness
(GloPID-R), which unites organizations and sponsors of research globally to
quicken the response to infectious disease epidemics. Additionally, the WHO
actively promotes collaborations between industrialized and developing
countries. One such example is the partnership between Norway and
Ethiopia, which aims to improve access to necessary medicines and enhance
health systems. The WHO's Health Emergencies Programme is another
critical effort, focusing on enhancing the capacity of countries to respond to
health emergencies, particularly in regions with limited resources. These
collaborations are essential in ensuring that knowledge, resources, and
innovations are shared equitably across borders. In the coming years, these
efforts must be scaled up, with a stronger emphasis on building resilient
healthcare systems in underdeveloped regions. This includes increasing
investments in healthcare infrastructure, training healthcare workers, and
ensuring that vaccines and treatments are accessible to all.
Overall, global health governance must be strengthened to ensure that
resources are distributed fairly and that all countries are prepared for future
health crises. By continuing to build on the existing programs and addressing
the gaps in global health collaboration, the world can be better equipped to
handle any health emergency, ensuring that no country is left behind.
Key Terms
● Vaccine Development and Distribution: Discuss the global research collaboration that
led to the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines, and consider what may be learned
to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.
● Public Health Policy Research: Examine how research influenced the development of
successful pandemic-related public health policies and talk about how this research might
help shape future policies that will better prepare for international health emergencies
● Equity in Health Research: Discuss strategies to encourage more inclusive research
practices and examine the opportunities and problems in ensuring that health research
benefits all populations equitably, especially those in low- and middle-income nations.
● Long-term Impact Studies: Examine current research on the social, economic, and
health implications of the epidemic on different communities, as well as how these results
may inform future public health campaigns.
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