World Health Organization Study Guide

Committee Overview

The World Health Organization (WHO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established in 1948, the WHO coordinates international health work, sets global health standards, monitors health trends, and addresses global health emergencies. Its objective is to ensure "the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health."

Topic 1: Strengthening Global Healthcare Systems to Prevent Future Pandemics

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical vulnerabilities in global health security and healthcare systems worldwide. Even well-resourced countries struggled with insufficient hospital capacity, medical supply shortages, and coordination challenges. Low and middle-income countries faced even greater obstacles. As new infectious disease threats continue to emerge, strengthening healthcare systems has become an urgent priority for preventing and managing future pandemics.

Key Issues

• Early Detection Systems: Global surveillance infrastructure for disease outbreaks
• Emergency Preparedness: Strategic stockpiling and rapid response capabilities
• Healthcare Workforce: Training and retaining healthcare workers
• Medical Supply Chains: Ensuring equitable access to vaccines, treatments, and equipment
• Primary Healthcare: Building resilient community-level health services
• International Coordination: Improving global health governance
• Information Systems: Data sharing and management during health emergencies

Questions to Consider

1. How can the international community address healthcare inequities revealed by COVID-19?
2. What mechanisms would improve global coordination during health emergencies?
3. How should responsibilities be balanced between WHO and national governments?
4. What investments in healthcare infrastructure would best prevent future pandemics?
5. How can vaccine development and distribution be expedited and made more equitable?

Relevant UN Documents

• International Health Regulations (2005): Legal framework for global health security
• WHO Global Influenza Strategy 2019-2030: Framework for pandemic preparedness
• World Health Assembly Resolution 73.1: COVID-19 response
• UN General Assembly Resolution 74/270: Global solidarity to fight COVID-19

Topic 2: Tackling Malnutrition and Food Insecurity in Vulnerable Regions

Background

Despite global progress in food production, approximately 828 million people face hunger worldwide, with 45% of deaths among children under five linked to malnutrition. Climate change, conflicts, economic instability, and the COVID-19 pandemic have reversed years of progress in food security. Malnutrition manifests as undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overweight/obesity, all of which have profound health consequences.

Key Issues

• Food Systems: Sustainable and resilient food production and distribution
• Maternal and Child Nutrition: First 1,000 days of life interventions
• Humanitarian Response: Addressing acute food crises in conflict zones
• Climate Adaptation: Preparing food systems for climate change impacts
• Food Safety: Preventing foodborne diseases
• Double Burden: Addressing undernutrition and obesity simultaneously
• Water and Sanitation: Connections to nutritional outcomes

Questions to Consider

1. How can agricultural and nutrition policies be better aligned?
2. What interventions most effectively address child stunting and wasting?
3. How should emergency food aid be balanced with long-term food system development?
4. What role should private sector food producers play in addressing malnutrition?
5. How can traditional food knowledge be integrated with modern nutritional science?

Relevant UN Documents

• UN Decade of Action on Nutrition (2016-2025): Framework for nutrition action
• Rome Declaration on Nutrition (2014): Commitments to address all forms of malnutrition
• Global Nutrition Targets 2025: WHO goals for improving maternal and child nutrition
• 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)