World Health Organization (Xinhua)—“If you had one shot or one opportunity to seize anything you ever wanted, would you go for it?” exclaimed Somalia in reference to Eminem’s song “Lose Yourself”. In the midst of passionate unmoderated sessions, the countries in WHO are nearing their final resolution. The international issue of Zoonotic diseases remains a prevalent crisis in many nations, affecting 2.9 billion annually with 2.7 million dying each year. Moreover, vaccines are sensitive to changes in temperature, making transportation near impossible and underdeveloped countries without a cure. In hopes of decreasing these statistics, members in WHO continuously work hard finding solutions.
While the committee remains divided, each country recognizes the need for collaboration in forms such as transportation, education, communication and funding. By reflecting on our past actions in tackling COVID-19, Small Pox, Influenza, etc. countries are more eager to take an educational and research focused route. “We were able to fight off COVID-19 fast only because we had previous knowledge on it and how to deal with it,” China explained. Although the final three blocs formed had an evident focus on prevention, their unique implementation methods set them apart.
The bloc PROTECT advocates for educational awareness and transparency between neighboring countries, whereas CURE focuses on Biological Security measures in food safety, vaccination research, and wild life surveillance. Lastly, ZOONOT echoes the previous blocs’ stance, approaching the issue in a practical way through window and door screens.
Throughout these heated discussions, many key points remain constant. Countries in WHO have agreed on sending care packages to infected areas, including medicine such as antibiotics. As funding is raised, vaccine development and transportation to underdeveloped nations continue to progress, ultimately decreasing the concentration of zoonotic diseases.
The focus on medical research and implementation of bio-security measures will undoubtedly serve as a valuable solution. Entering resolution paper voting, Xinhua looks forward to these combination of ideas in hopes of finding a solution to zoonotic diseases.