Click here to read the NHSMUN 2011 WHO Background Guide

The WHO blog is now available

Topic 1: Access to Pharmaceuticals in Developing States

People in developing states do not have comparable access to pharmaceuticals as those in developed states. A lack of medication leads to an increase in mortality for illnesses, such as polio, HIV/AIDS, and influenza. The World Health Organization (WHO) has worked to distribute medication worldwide but has not been able to singlehandedly redress this inequality. Furthermore, the WHO feels that proper access necessitates that the pharmaceuticals are also of safe quality. The support capacity for WHO’s efforts in providing such access comes greatly from collaborations with national governments and non-governmental organizations. For example, the WHO is assisting the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to implement a pharmaceutical business plan that will provide information about the medical situation in the area. Such partnerships still require enhancements to augment services, transparency, and affordability. The WHO’s work with national governments in crafting appropriate public policies that support access to pharmaceuticals is particularly important in creating a sustainable medical infrastructure into the future. At the same time, delegates to the WHO are also involved in improving the relations between “private sector, civil society, academic and other partners” in facilitating such access. The WHO, therefore, plays an important role in providing access to pharmaceuticals for all diseases to promote general global health in the long run not only through its distribution efforts, but also as a coordinator among organizations and states.

Topic 2: Combating the Health Effects of Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is defined as the excessive use of a substance, especially alcohol or a drug. Such abuse not only harms the user, but poses a threat to the security of those around him/her. Users tend to do whatever they need to in order to get their substance; actions executed in this pursuit can lead to mental distress. Once users continue to get their substance of choice, their general health begins to deteriorate due to the harmful toxins in drugs and alcohol. Instead of the effects of substance abuse decreasing over the years, it has only increased.

The sixty-third World Health Assembly met from 17-21 May, 2010 to discuss strategies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol and implementing world health regulations. Member states conversed about a global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. Discussion of reducing the harmful use of alcohol is a step towards decreasing substance abuse. But, in the future, the World Health Assembly should discuss the abuse of substances in conjunction with alcohol. To combat the results of substance abuse, the WHO can talk not only about alcohol, but also illicit substances. The WHO has the least data regarding the use of these substances, but does know that the risks to health associated with illicit substances are more significant than legal ones. Delegates, therefore, should focus on analyzing extant data on the causes and results of illicit substance abuse to explore appropriate measures of prevention and reform.

When addressing this topic, delegates should be mature about the issue in order to come up with effective solutions to the issue at hand.