CommitteesGA Committees
ECONOMIC & SOCIAL COUNCILS
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World Health Organization (WHO)Chairs: Lanamaria Mehetarian & Lillian Day Email: [email protected] & [email protected] Topic A: Improving Access to Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Less Developed Nations Approximately 45 million women residing in low income nations lack access to crucial health services related to maternal and prenatal care, with almost 1,000 of these women dying each year. Developing, low-income, and warring nations have higher mortality rates related to maternity, caused by an insufficient supply of medications and resources, poor socio-economic circumstances, a weak healthcare system, and physical barriers in accessing facilities such as hospitals when needed. Even in highly developed regions, such as North America and Europe, there has been an increase in female mortality rates - approximately 15-20% from 2016 to 2020. This makes the availability and quality of maternal and prenatal care a pressing global concern that needs immediate attention. Delegates will be encouraged to collaborate with each other to brainstorm unique, sustainable, and effective solutions that can not only ensure women receive access to life-saving medications, but also reduce this health disparity globally. Topic B: Effects of Climate Change on Human Health Climate change, characterized by shifts in temperature patterns, have lead to extreme weather events that not only pose a threat to the natural environment, but to humans as well. Heat waves, declining air quality, and increasing humidity in regions of the world have increased the risk of countless medical conditions, including vector borne diseases, cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, and mental ailments such as anxiety. In addition to this, climate change has affected the health system, infrastructure, and poverty status of several nations, causing almost 100 million people to live in poverty each year and have difficulty paying for healthcare. Individuals in low-income nations and small island developing states are at the greatest risk of suffering from climate change’s detrimental effects. With the ongoing increase in global temperatures and sea levels, the health of millions at risk in developing nations, and the damage costs to health estimated to be $3 billion each year by 2030, it is imperative now more than ever to formulate solutions to combat this issue. Delegates will have the opportunity to collaborate with each other to mitigate the effects of climate change on public health, exploring unique solutions on how to ensure the health and safety of billions of individuals around the globe. |
