PMUN
BACKGROUND GUIDE - 2
Agenda: Exploring solutions to mitigate the impact of foreign aid
reductions on child healthcare and immunisation in Sub-Saharan
African nations to achieve SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing for all)
UNICEF COMMITTEE
Table of Contents
[Link]. Topic Page nos.
A Letter from the Executive Board 1-2
B Historical Background and Present Challenges 3-5
C Introduction to the UNICEF Committee 6-7
D Key Terms 8
E Country Positions 9
F Questions to Consider For Possible Solutions 10
G Recommended Reading (Reference Links) 10
A. Letter From the Executive Board of the Committee
Dear Delegates,
Greetings from the Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s Fund Committee!!
Welcome to the Podar Model United Nations Conference!!
This year, as a delegate of this committee, you will discuss solutions to the expected impact of the
reduction in foreign aid to the UN for carrying out missions to strengthen health infrastructure and
immunisation of children, particularly in affected African countries.
Agenda: Your agenda for this year is - “Exploring Solutions to mitigate the Impact of Foreign Aid
Reduction on Immunisation and Health Infrastructure in Sub-Saharan African Countries.”
Agenda Overview
Foreign aid has long been crucial for the United Nations (UN) in helping to improve health in Sub-
Saharan Africa, a region plagued by poor infrastructure, limited access to hospitals, and economic
challenges that hinder people's ability to receive healthcare.
UNICEF, a part of the UN, receives funding from donor countries such as the United States and the
United Kingdom. It uses this money to help improve children’s health in the regions of South Asia,
Africa, and Latin America. It thus leads all to reach the UN goal called SDG 3, which aims for good
health for all.
Recently, some countries have reduced their aid, especially when the US shut down parts of USAID.
This has made it harder to keep up immunisations, health clinics, and other important services
active in the affected regions.
Anticipated Impact of Foreign Aid Cuts on Sub-Saharan African Countries
Since African countries heavily depend on externally funded health services, cutting foreign aid will
have a profound impact on the lives of billions of children in African countries, particularly in Sub-
Saharan countries, which lack basic health infrastructure. Decrease in aid here is equivalent to
denying their fundamental rights to health, nutrition, and education.
It would also undermine the UN's efforts over the past 75 years to reach remote areas and provide
essential support. Parents may lose faith in accessing basic health services, particularly during
health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Your Responsibility as a UNICEF Delegate
UNICEF, as a committee, has successfully worked for children globally for more than 75 years now.
The challenge of decreased aid will put the lives of lakhs of children at risk and hinder the
achievement of the SDG goals, impeding the development of primary necessities for a significant
portion of our global population.
As a UN delegate representing the UNICEF committee, you will focus on finding out practical
solutions and partnerships to help these countries cope with their challenges and address the needs
of their communities in absence of foreign aid.
Warm Regards,
Executive Board – UNICEF
PMUN 2025
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What is the Agenda?
“Exploring solutions to mitigate the impact of foreign aid reductions on child healthcare and
immunisation in Sub-Saharan African nations to achieve SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing for all)”
-A focused discussion on protecting child health and immunisation programs in Sub-Saharan African
nations that are suffering due to cuts in foreign aid and donor funding.
The Problem
There has been a significant decline in foreign funding from the major global donor countries
for health services recently.
This will lead to a drop in basic immunisation coverage among children and risking outbreaks
of preventable diseases. The lives of millions of children are at stake due to a lack of funding
for access to basic healthcare, especially in rural and conflict-affected regions of Africa.
Countries Affected/ Involved
Affected Countries: Sub - Saharan Nations of Africa
Major Countries that reduced Funding recently: UK, USA, EU nations
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B. Historical Background and Present Challenges
Colonialism (1880s – 1960s)
To understand the prevailing conditions in African nations, it is crucial to examine their historical
context, particularly the enduring legacy of colonialism.
The colonial era, which spanned from the 1880s to the 1960s, was marked by extensive exploitation
and widespread poverty across Africa. African countries were primarily governed for the economic
benefit of European countries. The development of infrastructure was focused almost entirely on
extracting resources, rather than helping local communities grow.
Additionally, health services during colonial times were very limited. They were often available only in
cities or for colonists, not for the local people living in rural areas. This lack of access contributed to
the challenges that newly independent countries faced as they tried to develop and remain stable.
For example, in British-controlled Kenya, fewer than 20 African doctors had formal training by the
1950s.
Post-Independence Transitions (1960s–1980s)
After independence, many African countries were hopeful about building robust national systems,
including public health. However, colonialism left these countries without the infrastructure,
institutions, or human capital to do so effectively. Some of the major reasons behind this region
being underserved were:
Political Instability and Coups: This region has experienced unstable governance due to a lack
of education and trained leadership. This puts health and its infrastructure as its last priority.
For example, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, decades of mismanagement and
dictatorship under the leader Mobutu Sese Seko led to the total collapse of public services,
including health.
Economic instability: These African regions, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, heavily
relied on imported medical goods that were costly and insufficient to meet demand. Moreover,
supplying such goods to remote areas posed a challenge due to the lack of robust transport
infrastructure. This resulted in a debt burden on these countries and increased the instability of
the region's economic structure.
Debt Crisis and Structural Adjustment (1980s–1990s)
During the 1980s, many African countries faced crushing debt burdens and were forced to accept
Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs) from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World
Bank. These programs required governments to reduce public spending, including healthcare, in
exchange for financial assistance. Hence,
Hospitals were closed, health workers were laid off, and user fees were introduced.
Vaccination and maternal care programs declined sharply.
Public distrust in government health services grew.
In the absence of government support and financial aid, many low-income families could not
access primary health care.
HIV/AIDS and Global Health Crisis (1990s–2000s)
The HIV/AIDS epidemic devastated healthcare systems across Africa. Many countries saw huge
portions of their healthcare workforce die or fall ill, just as demand for services skyrocketed.
By 2000, over 25 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa were living with HIV/AIDS, posing a
threat to children who are susceptible to inheriting the disease from their mothers.
Health systems, which had already been weakened by economic cuts, were unable to cope
with the crisis. This resulted in a lack of basic health aid for children, particularly newborns.
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Global responses, such as PEPFAR (Short for the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS
Relief) and the Global Fund, began to help, but primarily focused on specific diseases rather
than broader health system development.
Dependence on Foreign Aid (2000s–2010s)
With rising global attention on diseases like HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, many African countries
became highly dependent on foreign aid to fund healthcare. However, aid was often fragmented, with
different donors supporting different programs in an uncoordinated way.
Primary healthcare infrastructure, including clinics, staff training, and supply chains, remained
underfunded.
Donor funding was often short-term or focused on vertical (single-issue) solutions, rather than
building entire health systems.
Present Day Challenges
Foreign Aid Cut
In January 2025, the United States implemented significant strategic policy changes, resulting in an
83% reduction in foreign aid, a move subsequently mirrored by countries such as the United
Kingdom.
The primary factors contributing to this shift in foreign aid policy include:
1. Reassessment of Aid Effectiveness: A contingent of U.S. lawmakers expressed concerns
regarding the efficacy of foreign aid, contending that it often fails to achieve its intended
objectives and is, therefore, unnecessary.
2. Strategic, Economic, and Political Shift: The U.S. has redirected its policies to minimize funding
for fragile states, as such expenditures were perceived to offer limited direct benefits to
national interests.
3. Change in National Priorities: A substantial reallocation of resources has occurred, with an
emphasis on sectors such as technology and military enhancement, reflecting a shift in
priorities within the country.
4. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The challenges posed by the pandemic have prompted
governments to focus more on domestic recovery efforts, leading to a shift in preference from
investing in foreign aid commitments to addressing local challenges.
Possible Impacts of Foreign Aid Cuts
1. Disruption of Regular Immunization Programs
Approximately 80% of vaccines in African countries come from foreign aid. In the event of
foreign aid cuts, the regular availability of vaccines in rural parts of African countries will
become increasingly challenging.
Major vaccines for preventable diseases like Measles, Cholera, and Polio for children may not
be available on time.
2. Suspension and Closure of Primary Health Facilities
Primary Health Facilities maintained by the foreign funds availed by global bodies to improve
the health and nutrition of children and adults would get affected and may have to be closed.
Health Programs conducted by UNICEF and GAVI can also be suspended or discontinued in the
absence of enough funds.
3. Breakdown of Cold Chain and Supply Systems
The effective transportation of vaccines requires strict temperature control to maintain their
efficacy and potency. Organisations like GAVI and UNICEF face significant challenges in
reaching remote areas with inadequate infrastructure, often relying on foreign aid for
resources.
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However, any reduction in funding risks jeopardising these vital immunisation efforts,
threatening the health of vulnerable populations and undermining global healthcare initiatives
for children.
4. Increased Child Mortality and Disease Outbreaks
In the absence of sufficient primary healthcare facilities, such as vaccines and trained health
personnel, the likelihood of child mortality and disease outbreaks increases.
5. Reduced Emergency Preparedness
Health emergencies, like pandemics, can overwhelm already fragile health infrastructure and
place additional burdens on local governments.
6. Increased Risk of Reversal in Global Health Gains
Regions that have improved their health infrastructure for children through consistent efforts,
often facilitated by various global interventions, are at risk of losing these gains without
adequate funding to sustain these services. This could result in a reversal of health gains and
difficulties in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 - Good Health and Well-being for all
ages, as aimed for by the UN by 2030.
Case Studies
The following are some important case studies related to this topic that can be researched for a
better understanding of the consequences:
Somalia: The withdrawal of U.S. aid has led to the closure of nutrition centres, putting
approximately 55,000 children at risk.
Nigeria: Aid reductions threaten maternal health services, with 70% of health facilities
affected, potentially increasing maternal mortality rates.
Malawi: The country faces challenges in responding to a surge in mpox cases due to vaccine
shortages and limited healthcare capacity, exacerbated by aid cuts.
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C. Introduction to the UNICEF Committee
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is one of the most impactful committees of the UN,
established to work tirelessly for children worldwide. It currently operates in 190 countries and has
offices globally. UNICEF’s mission is to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet
their basic needs, and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.
Background and Overview
UNICEF was established in December 1946 as an effort to provide supplies and assistance to
children in the aftermath of World War II. Originally known as the United Nations Children’s
Emergency Fund, it was later renamed the United Nations Children's Fund; however, the abbreviation
remains UNICEF. In 1953, the United Nations General Assembly recognised UNICEF as a permanent
body under the UN to assist children globally and develop programmes for children’s rights to
protection, education, healthcare, and shelter.
Focus and Commitment
UNICEF focuses on ensuring aid to children for
Health and Nutrition – Primary healthcare services, immunisation, basic nutrition, emergency
care, and aid.
Primary Education – Ensuring access to fundamental education for literacy
A child's right to safety and protection.
Significant milestones accomplished by the committee:
Polio Eradication Campaigns: UNICEF has led global vaccination drives, contributing to the
near eradication of polio worldwide.
Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989): UNICEF played a pivotal role in developing and
promoting this landmark treaty, which is now the most widely ratified human rights treaty in
history.
HIV/AIDS Prevention: Through its "Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS" campaign, UNICEF
has reduced mother-to-child transmission of HIV in numerous developing countries.
COVID-19 Response: During the pandemic, UNICEF emerged as the largest single vaccine
buyer in the world, spearheading equitable vaccine distribution through the COVAX facility.
Emergency Relief in Conflict Zones: From Yemen to Sudan to Ukraine, UNICEF has provided
life-saving aid to children affected by war and displacement.
In collaboration with a network of partners, UNICEF works to achieve Sustainable Development Goal
3 – ensuring good health and well-being of children and mothers worldwide. Their work is essential
not only for individual families but also for the future of communities and nations worldwide.
Past International Actions and existing programs of UNICEF for African regions using Foreign Aid:
Two Billion Vaccination doses delivered: UNICEF, with the objective of ensuring equal access
to COVID-19 vaccines for all children, particularly for vulnerable children and those of frontline
workers, partnered with the COVAX Facility and delivered over 2 billion vaccine doses to 130+
countries by the end of 2023.
Ensured cold-chain support: UNICEF supported remote African and South Asian regions by
providing solar-powered refrigeration systems in 44 countries.
Campaigns and Awareness: Trained health workers and supported communication campaigns
to counter vaccine hesitancy. As a result, high-risk populations in countries such as Ethiopia,
Ghana, and Malawi could be vaccinated.
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GAVI Alliance and Immunisation Initiatives (Ongoing since 2000, expanded by 2025)
The Health Systems Strengthening Initiative (HSSI) (2019–2024): It aims to reduce child
mortality in African districts by 15–20% within three years.
Nutrition and WASH Integration Programs (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene)
By 2025, UNICEF aims to provide:
Life-saving nutrition to 16 million children
Clean water access to 25 million people
Sanitation to 17 million across Africa
Primary Healthcare Rebuilding in Post-Conflict States (2022–2025)
Digital Health Transformation (2023–2025)
Launched U-Report Health (a mobile platform to gather youth feedback on health services)
Expanded real-time monitoring dashboards for immunisation in African and Asian
countries.
Introduced e-vaccination cards in countries like Nigeria, Rwanda, and Kenya.
Advocacy for Sustainable Financing and Local Ownership (2022–2025)
Supported national health financing strategies in over 20 African countries.
Pushed for domestic investment in child health (reducing dependency on volatile aid).
Partnered with the World Bank, GAVI, and the Global Fund to ensure co-financing of essential
services.
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D. Key Terms
Immunisation or Vaccination
The Process of administering/applying a vaccine to a child or adult.
Mitigating
Lessening or decreasing
Health Infrastructure
A network of Primary health clinics, Health personnel, ease of transport, and connectivity all come
together to make the health infrastructure of a place, city, or country.
GAVI: Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation
Founded in 2000, GAVI emerged from a collaboration between the Gates Foundation and various
nations to improve vaccine access in developing countries. This initiative addressed the rising costs
and inadequate supply chains that hindered vaccine availability. GAVI helps these nations procure
essential vaccines at lower prices and supports sustainable healthcare systems, aligning with
Sustainable Development Goal 3 for good health and well-being. In partnership with UNICEF, GAVI
has played a crucial role in distributing vaccines equitably across many developing nations.
COVAX
COVAX represents a historic multilateral effort co-led by GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for
Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF. This
initiative, which operated from 2020 to 2023, aimed to ensure equitable global access to COVID-19
vaccines, particularly for low- and middle-income countries.
Foreign Aid
Foreign aid includes assistance in various forms, including financial resources, food and nutrition
support, medical assistance and equipment, grants, technological resources, and commodity
supplies. This aid is pivotal for many nations, especially in times of crisis, helping to address urgent
health and nutritional needs.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
In 2015, the United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals aimed at addressing
pressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development by 2030. These goals provide a
comprehensive framework for governments, organisations, and communities to work towards a
more equitable and sustainable world.
World Health Organization (WHO)
The WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting global health and
well-being. It plays a crucial role in coordinating international health efforts, establishing standards,
and offering guidance for health policies worldwide.
Sustainable Financing and Local Ownership (2022–2025)
This initiative aims to enable African countries to achieve self-sustainability in medical aid, shifting
their reliance from foreign donations to locally sourced solutions. Nations like Rwanda and Ghana
are leading the way by developing government programs aimed at procuring vaccines locally, thereby
reducing dependency on external donors and building resilient healthcare systems. This approach is
vital for enhancing local ownership of health initiatives and ensuring long-term sustainability.
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[Link] Positions
Below are the positions of some countries in context of the topic. The countries chosen here are a
mix of donors, recipients of foreign aid and also countries that are neutral.
United States
The U.S. has historically been a leading donor to global health programs, especially through
agencies like USAID and the CDC. However, recent administrations have significantly scaled back
foreign aid, citing domestic priorities. Cuts to health assistance in Africa have disrupted
immunisation campaigns and halted funding for child nutrition programs, particularly in conflict
zones like Somalia and South Sudan.
United Kingdom
The UK, once a leading contributor to health and humanitarian aid in Africa, reduced its Official
Development Assistance (ODA) by over 28% in 2022. This affected maternal and child health
programs across multiple African countries. Despite reductions, the UK remains an active supporter
of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
India
India is transitioning from an aid recipient to a donor, sharing its expertise in pharmaceuticals,
healthcare training, and affordable vaccine production. It contributes to South-South cooperation
initiatives and collaborates with African countries under the India-Africa Forum Summit framework.
India also manufactures low-cost vaccines that support Gavi programs.
Australia
Australia’s foreign aid is regionally focused on the Pacific and Southeast Asia, but it also supports
global health initiatives through contributions to Gavi and the Global Fund. In Africa, Australia’s
support is limited but has occasionally funded humanitarian and nutrition-focused programs. Recent
political debates on budget constraints have led to tighter foreign aid policies.
Finland
Finland emphasises human rights and health equity in its development aid strategy. Although not a
major donor in terms of volume, it supports multilateral institutions such as the WHO and Gavi.
Finnish aid in Africa often supports maternal and child health projects, and the country advocates
for sustainable and rights-based health solutions.
China
China has increased its health diplomacy in Africa, investing in hospitals, disease control centres,
and medical aid missions. It provided COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic and supports
infrastructure development. However, China's aid is often bilateral and tied to broader strategic
interests under its Belt and Road Initiative. While not a Gavi member, China is building influence
through state-to-state partnerships.
Singapore
As a high-income country, Singapore makes selective contributions to global health through
technical assistance, public health research, and partnerships. Its involvement in Africa is limited,
but it supports WHO programs and global health security initiatives. Singapore also serves as a
regional hub for Gavi and CEPI-related vaccine innovation and logistics.
Egypt
Egypt plays a dual role as both a recipient of aid and a regional partner in African development. It
has developed regional health initiatives in North Africa and the Sahel and engages in vaccine
diplomacy with Sub-Saharan nations. Egypt receives support from UNICEF and WHO to strengthen
its own child health programs, which are also shared regionally through health diplomacy.
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F. Questions to consider for possible solution
As country delegates of UNICEF, you should consider the following important questions to think
about solutions based on your assigned country position.
How can African countries reduce their dependency on foreign aid for healthcare while still
ensuring that children receive essential immunisations and medical care?
What alternative funding mechanisms can UNICEF and partner organizations explore to
sustain health infrastructure in the face of aid cuts?
How can technology and innovation be used to overcome logistical challenges in delivering
vaccines and healthcare to remote African regions?
Is there a possibility of convincing the donor countries to come up with conditional aid or
alternative diplomacy?
Is there a possibility that African countries could consider a collaborative effort to
manufacture and produce vaccines and medicines using independent and local sources and
personnel?
How can awareness and education help lead the local youth to better primary health facilities?
G. Reference links for Research
A research link PDF - “Recommended Reading (Reference Links)” will be shared with you. Use
the links for your further research.
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