World Health Organization (WHO)
World Health Organization (WHO)
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that tackles the issues of public health and safety as it pertains to medicine. The World Health Organization is comprised of 194 member states, all under the Jurisdiction of the World Health Assembly under the Secretary-General. In the past, the World Health Organization has been responsible for the eradication of smallpox, polio, and malaria initiatives.
Combatting Vaccine Nationalism & Intellectual Property Waivers in Health Crises
In worldwide health emergencies, issues involving Intellectual Property Waivers (IPR’s) evolve. They played a substantial role in how vaccines and other health technology were developed, distributed, and accessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Driven by the World Trade Organization (WTO) TRIPS Agreement, current structures grant exclusive manufacturing rights to developing corporations. How can the international community work toward global equitable access to health technology while not discouraging innovation, tanking economies, or daunting intellectual property rights? Delegates in this committee will grapple with the pros, cons, and effects of waiving IPR’s in crises.