Gopalan Model United Nations

2022

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION

- BACKGROUND GUIDE -
 LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

Greetings Delegates,
It is our honour and privilege to welcome you to the World Health
Organisation for Gopalan Model United Nations 2021. Almost all of us know
someone who has or had non communicable diseases or might even suffer
from them ourselves. Here, you delegates will discuss non-communicable
diseases, their prominent worldwide effects and propose solutions countries
can implement to combat them.

Considering this is a junior committee, we as your Executive Board have

chosen this agenda as it is very broad, so research will be made easier for you.
We hope you can use the breadth of this agenda to research as much as you
can and produce material to debate on during committee. All of you are
newbies; a majority of yourselves are in your first MUN ever. I'd like to tell you
that my first ever MUN was GMUN and one of the main things I regret is not
being confident enough to speak more than twice during the two day
conference. I urge you delegates to research as much as you can, trust in your
research and be confident of yourselves. Attempt to make yourselves more
outgoing and participate extensively in committee, as it means almost
everything in a MUN conference and can make you a better version of
yourself as well. You might get the smallest country in the world or you might
be one of the superpowers, but everyone has solutions to provide and good
debate and confidence is what will make you stand apart.

We, the Executive Board, will guide, counsel and direct you on the right path.
Therefore, do not hesitate to refer to any member of the EB with your
questions and doubts. We are open to queries about the formal procedure or
the agenda, or anything related to the session throughout the conference.

On behalf of the Executive Board, all the best, delegates. We look forward to
seeing you all in committee.

CHAIRPESON - ADITYA GUJAR | VICE CHAIRPERSON - ADITYA RAO

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION | PAGE - 1

 INTRODUCTION TO THE COMMITTEE

WHO is a specialised UN committee, under the Economic and Social

Council, solely dedicated to maintaining international public health.
Founded on 7th April 1948, WHO is the main directing and coordinating
body for health and sanitation within the United Nations. The WHO now has
194 member states across the 6 regions of the world. The WHO has 150 field
offices, 6 regional offices and has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

The decisions made by the WHO are done in the World Health Assembly,
whose meetings are attended by delegates of all WHO member nations to
address a health based agenda. The World Health Assembly determines the
policy of the Organisation, supervises financial policies and approves
programme budgets for the WHO. The World Health Assembly convenes
annually in Geneva Switzerland.

WHO acts as a middleman to encourage the sharing of knowledge and

facilitating cooperation amongst all member nations to pursue common
solutions to common challenges. The functions of the WHO are to direct and
coordinate international health and work and ensure effective collaboration
amongst member nations. They aim to work with the UN, world countries,
specialised agencies, professional groups and other non governmental
agencies to help ensure a healthier world for all.

The WHO has advanced world health in leaps and bounds. The WHO was
responsible for several international health advancements such as the
eradication of smallpox, the near eradication of polio and most recently, and
most significant, the management of the covid pandemic in 2020-2021.

The WHO's role in solving the issue of NCDs is to advise countries on how
they should be tackled, what measures must be taken in order to ensure a
downward curve in NCD cases and ensure the cooperation of all member
nations in making the world a healthier place.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION | PAGE - 2

 INTRODUCTION TO AGENDA

Non-communicable diseases or NCDs are one of the biggest issues of our

current age. Changing lifestyles and lack of resource distribution in our
world are causing the rise of these NCDs all over the world. The main non-
communicable diseases in the world today are cardiovascular diseases such
as heart attack or stroke, cancers, mental illnesses such as depression and
anxiety. Deficiency diseases of several vital nutrients are also seen in
countries all over the world. Non communicable diseases alone are
responsible for around 63 percent of deaths annually which is 41 million
deaths with cardiovascular diseases causing loss of life to over 17 million
people each year. Ever since the start of the lockdown phases due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a steep increase in non communicable
diseases. Humans are social beings and the lockdown prohibits most forms
of social contact and sometimes a voice or video call simply does not match
the effects face to face contact can produce. NCDs also can hinder poverty
reduction goals of a country as medicinal costs of a household increase
significantly. WHO has also recently highlighted that physical inactivity
greatly increases the risk of premature death by NCDs, estimating about
500 million new cases of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and other NCDs,
costing around 27 billion USD per annum. A number of causes that
strengthen the monster of NCDs, and few that mitigate its effects
worldwide. It is up to the delegates now, to work towards managing the rise
of these non-communicable diseases for all of humankind and promising
our people a more comfortable and healthy life.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION | PAGE - 3

 MOST PREVALENT NON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

MENTAL DISORDERS

Mental disorders are also called mental health conditions. A mental

disorder, as defined by the WHO is characterized by a clinically significant
disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotional regulation, or behaviour.
It is usually associated with distress or impairment in important areas of
functioning. There are many different types of mental disorders, such as
anxiety, depressive disorders, etc.

In 2019, approximately 1 in 8 people had a mental disorder, where anxiety

and depressive disorders were most common. In 2020, with the beginning
of COVID-19 lockdown phases, the rise of mental disorders only worsened
and increased significantly, with an almost 30% increase in both anxiety and
depressive disorders in the year.

Focus also must be thrown upon bipolar disorder, PTSD (Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder), schizophrenia, eating disorders, disruptive behaviour /
dissocial disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders. People who are
victims or violence, inequality, discrimination, etcetera are at a higher risk of
developing such disorders.

DEFICIENCY DISEASES

The body is a complex thing and nutrients are what is essential for its
functioning. Nutrients may only be required in small quantities, however, a
deficiency of these will cause severe and critical impacts on the body's
[Link] perform a variety of functions such as enabling the
production of enzymes, hormones and chemical substances in the body.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION | PAGE - 4

Low and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected by
nutrient deficiencies. It is estimated that around 2 billion of the world's
population suffer from some sort of nutritional deficiency. This indicates the
severity of the issue and the absolute necessity to deal with it.

Micronutrient deficiencies cause various health conditions such as reduced

energy, reduced mental capacity among other observable issues in the
human body. This not only leads to death but also reduced productivity and
increase in other non NCD related deaths.

Most of these deficiency diseases can easily be reduced with education

about nutrition and consumption of a healthy balanced diet, yet this
remains a prevalent issue all over the world. WHO programmes have led to
the reduction yet these deficiency diseases require further attention.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Cardiovascular diseases are by far the leading cause of deaths globally and
the most lethal of the Non communicable disorders. Cardiovascular
diseases or CVDs cause an estimated 17.9 million deaths each year with the
number only going up. CVDs are a group of conditions of the heart and
blood vessels including coronary heart disease, stroke and cerebrovascular
diseases. Most CVD deaths are attributed to heart attacks and strokes, one
third of these being premature deaths before 70 years of age.

Heart disease and stroke are often caused by behavioural risk factors such as
unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, consumption of tobacco and excess
consumption of alcohol.

Reduction in tobacco consumption, reduction of salt in an average diet,

increase in fruit and vegetable consumption and regular physical activity
can all reduce the risks of CVDs. Avoiding the use of alcohol too contributes
to the reduction in risk of cardiovascular diseases.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION | PAGE - 5

Health policies that create conducive environments for making healthy
choices affordable and available are essential for motivating people to adopt
and sustain healthy behaviours.

Identifying those at highest risk of CVDs and ensuring they receive

appropriate treatment can prevent premature deaths. Access to
noncommunicable disease medicines and basic health technologies in all
primary health care facilities is essential to ensure that those in need receive
treatment and counselling.

CANCER

Cancers are a large group of diseases responsible for over 10 million deaths
annually or one in six deaths. Cancers can start in any organ or tissue when
abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other organs causing
death. Neoplasm and malignant tumours too are other names for cancers.

Cancers are most often caused by genetic conditions but they also may be
caused by behavioural risk factors such as consumption of alcohol and
tobacco, low fruit and vegetable consumption and lack of physical exercise.
Most cancers can be cured if detected early and treated effectively. Every
year, nearly four hundred thousand children develop cancers, this indicates
the severity of the issue at hand.

Lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach, liver, cervical and breast cancer are the
most common cancers amongst the world's population. The burden of
cancer is not slowing down and is growing globally, causing extreme
emotional, physical and financial strain on the world. Most health systems in
lower and middle economically developed countries are rather unprepared
to manage the rising cases of cancer and do not have access to technology
to offer accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment. However, in
developed countries, the rate of cancer is reducing thanks to advances in
technology in order to easily detect and treat cancers.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION | PAGE - 6

 UN ACTION

The globally prevalent issue of Non Communicable Diseases is currently

receiving unprecedented attention from the United Nations. Since 2010, the
WHO has recognised the threat of NCDs. But after review of the splitting of
donations, NCD prevention receives mere pennies per death. WHO believes
that member states would require to have high level meetings with Heads
of State or government present. The SDG 3.4 aims to reduce 1/3rd of
premature mortality caused by NCDs by 2030. WHO's opinion on NCDs are
that the dialogue should be changed from blaming the individual for their
lifestyle choices and to throw light on their country's socioeconomic
conditions instead. It recommends international action is the only way to
combat NCDs on a multi sector level. With a longer period of limited action
against NCDs, it has the potential to turn into a devastating health burden
like AIDS has in the past.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
In 2013, WHO Member States had agreed upon several global mechanisms
in order to reduce the burden of NCDs including Cardiovascular Diseases-

Three of the targets of the "Global action plan for the prevention and control
of NCDs 2013-2020" are directly focused on preventing and controlling
[Link] 6 stated the need for reduction of the occurrence of raised
blood pressure by 25% between 2010 and 2025. Target 8 states that at least
50% of eligible people should receive therapy and counselling to prevent
cardiovascular diseases by the year 2025. The third target, target 9 states
that there should be an 80% availability of the basic technologies and
essential medicines, required to treat major NCDs in both public and private
facilities.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION | PAGE - 7

CANCERS
In 2017, the World Health Assembly had passed: Resolution Cancer
prevention and control in the context of an integrated approach (WHA70.12)
that urged governments and the WHO to accelerate action against NCDs to
accomplish and reach all the targets mentioned in the Global Action plan for
the prevention and control of NCDs.

WHO partners up with several UN organisations in order to increase political

commitment for cancer control, prevention and research. WHO also
coordinates and conducts research on the causes of cancer and
mechanisms or carcinogens or cancer causing substances. The WHO
monitors the most cost effective strategies for cancer prevention and
control and develops tools for early diagnosis, prevention and treatment for
both adults and children.

Last but not the least, they support governments to improve survival for
childhood cancer through directed country support, regional networks and
global action as part of the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer
using the CureAll approach, increase access to essential cancer medicines,
particularly through the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer
Medicines, and provide technical assistance for rapid, effective transfer of
best practice interventions to countries.

DEFICIENCY DISEASES
The WHO aims for a world devoid of victims of and to create a place where all
people achieve health and wellbeing. According to the 2016–2025 nutrition
strategy, WHO works with Member States and partners to achieve universal
access to effective nutrition and to healthy diets through sustainable and
sensible food systems to people all over the world. WHO uses its powers to
advocate for policies to ensure the world is nourished and develops robust
scientific and ethical frameworks to achieve the same. The WHO guides and
helps implement nutrition action and evaluates policy and programme
implementation.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION | PAGE - 8

The Comprehensive implementation plan on maternal, infant, and young
child nutrition, adopted by Member States through a World Health
Assembly resolution in 2012. Programmes to end malnourishment are vital
to achieve the diet-related targets of the Global action plan for the
prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases, the Global strategy
for women's, children's, and adolescent's health 2016–2030, and the 2030
Agenda for sustainable development.

MENTAL HEALTH
WHO's Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030 recognizes the
imposing threat mental health poses to the health of all people, this plan has
4 major objectives:

- To strengthen effective leadership and governance for mental

health;
- To provide comprehensive, integrated and responsive mental health
and social care services in community-based settings;
- To implement of strategies for promotion and prevention in mental
health; and
- To strengthen information systems, evidence, and research for
mental health.

WHO has launched the Mental Health Gap Action Programme which uses
technical advancement and tools with the help of training packages to
expand services in resource poor countries. The mhGAP focuses on
prioritising non-specialised health care provisions and an integrated
approach to promote mental health. The WHO mhGAP Intervention Guide
2.0 is part of this Programme, which provides guidance to healthcare
personnel in non specialist health settings to assess and manage mental
disorders.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION | PAGE - 9

 POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
The World Health Organisation may deliberate upon the requirement of an
worldwide action plan, with suitable contributions from all member nations
in order to combat the rise of NCDs all over the world.

With the rising number of deaths all across the globe, it becomes the
highest priority of the WHO to ensure the equitable distribution of
healthcare services in countries with dire need of the same. Thus also comes
the requirement of funding for these nations by other bodies.

The WHO must also look into the reduction of cost of essential resources in
member nations in order to prevent the spread of deficiency diseases
amongst impoverished families.

Apart from these, the WHO may also deliberate upon the need for
awareness amongst people regarding mental health conditions in order to
protect the world's citizens from the same.

QARMA

1) What measures can be taken to prevent the rise of deficiency diseases

in the modern world?
2) What regions of the world require special emphasis and what special
means should be adopted to combat NCDs in these regions?
3) Can mental health disorders be considered equally dangerous as other
NCDs such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases?
4) How should the issue of mental health be tackled in our current social
atmosphere?
5) How can death due to cardiovascular diseases and cancers be
reduced?
6) What are countries' roles in ensuring the reduction of NCDs?
7) What are some ways to sustain the mitigation of NCDs in the near
future?

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION | PAGE - 10

 RESEARCH LINKS
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diseases#:~:text=Key%20facts,%2D%20and%20middle%2Dincome%20countries.

[Link]

[Link]

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[Link]

[Link]
first-ever-global-report

[Link]

[Link]

[Link]

These links provide a general idea on what to research and only give you a
starting point. None of these are country specific. We suggest that you
research on the topics mentioned in the Background Guide for your
particular country as another push in the right direction.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION | PAGE - 11

 GOPALAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
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Web: [Link] | PH: 080 4093 6034