WHO

World Health Organization

Topic 1: Discussing the pressing issue of healthcare privatization

In many parts of the world, healthcare has shifted from a public good to a market commodity, creating vast disparities in access and outcomes. Rising healthcare costs, corporate-driven healthcare models, and the prioritization of profit over patient care have intensified inequities, particularly affecting marginalized and low-income populations. The commodification of healthcare often leads to underfunded public health systems, reduced quality of care, and health outcomes heavily dependent on economic status. As global health crises such as pandemics expose these systemic weaknesses, urgent debate surrounds how to reclaim healthcare as a human right rather than a privilege reserved for those who can afford it.

Topic 2: Ensuring equitable vaccine distribution in low-income countries

The COVID-19 pandemic starkly highlighted the global inequities in vaccine access, with wealthy nations securing the majority of doses while low-income countries were left waiting. Vaccine nationalism, supply chain limitations, and restrictive intellectual property regimes have perpetuated disparities, undermining efforts to achieve global herd immunity and prolonging the pandemic. Beyond COVID-19, the challenge of ensuring equitable access to vaccines persists for diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HPV. Systemic issues related to financing, production capacity, infrastructure, and political will continue to hinder progress, raising critical questions about international solidarity, global health governance, and human rights.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is the UN's specialized agency for public health. It directs and coordinates global efforts to promote health, combat disease, and respond to health emergencies. WHO develops international health guidelines, monitors health trends, and supports countries in strengthening their healthcare systems, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the highest possible level of health for all people.