Committee Topic 1: The Ebola Crisis Topic 2: Medical Aid in Syria

Transcription

1 Committee Topic 1: The Ebola Crisis Topic 2: Medical Aid in Syria 1

2 Dear Delegates, It is our pleasure to welcome you to the inaugural LYMUN conference. We hope that this conference will be one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences of your Model UN career. Our goal as the dais is to immerse you in a realistic scenario centered on real-life crises. Because of the nature of the crises, the WHO will be having a few minor differences to awards criteria than some may be used to. Because both of these topics are very time sensitive, with more people dying and conditions changing every day, the dais will be smiling upon delegates that take steps to eliminate unnecessary steps from the process of creating a resolution. Please note that this does not mean that resolutions should not be thought through, nor show a lack of compromise. However, delegates who use parliamentary procedure to hasten the process instead of slowing it down will be favored. In addition, even though the main goal of delegates should be aligned with these issues, efforts to support national interest through the resolutions to the topics will be rewarded. Position papers are expected for both topics, and will be due at the start of committee. Questions about the topics or how committee will be run can be sent to hem500002@student.lths.net. Sincerely, Adam Hemauer, Chair 2

3 Topic 1: The Ebola Crisis Overview The Ebola virus was first discovered in Since then, it has spread through Africa several times, killing many people each time. The disease is believed to be carried by the fruit bats native to the area, and comes into contact with humans through the bushmeat, where wild animals are slaughtered for food. Because this practice is common in Africa, the virus has many opportunities to spread. Humans can become infected through contact with infected fluids from any infected animal, including another human. Since the discovery of Ebola, scientists have identified five separate strains, all of which began on the African continent. Only one strain, the Zaire strain, is present in the current crisis. Unfortunately, this strain is the most deadly strain of the five, with a death rate of up to 90 percent. The disease enters the blood stream, forming blood clots that increase in size and number, while also attacking many internal organs. Oftentimes, those infected will bleed externally, causing an alarming increase in infectivity. Because of large amounts of both internal and external bleeding, patients usually die of blood loss or shock, often within a few days of showing symptoms. This virus is a quick, lethal killer. 3

4 The Current Crisis As stated, the current outbreak is the most dangerous strain yet to be discovered. The epicenter of the outbreak has been in West Africa, most notably regions inside the nations of Guinea, Sierra-Leone, Liberia. The virus was also a major issue in Nigeria early in the crisis, but it has since been mostly eliminated from the country. However, the virus has recently been found to be spreading rapidly in regions outside of these hot zones. Current estimates put the death total over 9500 in these nations alone. More than double this number of cases have been confirmed, though it is likely that there have been many more cases not reported to doctors. The disease has remained relatively contained in these areas, however several aid workers and politicians who were working in the area have contracted the virus. All foreign workers that are known or suspected to have Ebola have been placed in quarantine when they returned home. The neighboring countries of Ghana and Congo have closed their borders with the infected countries entirely, and other nearby countries have been placed on alert. Infected areas are struggling to keep up with the rising number of sick. There are relatively few hospitals in the area, and even fewer with the Intensive Care Units capable of handling Ebola treatment. These areas are being overwhelmed with patients, and there is simply not enough room for all those in need. In addition, health care workers that are treating the disease have some of the highest infection rates, further deteriorating the situation. Treatment so 4

5 far has only been giving fluids and other medical support. No known vaccine or treatment has been discovered, but researchers in developed countries are testing several possibilities. Unfortunately, treatment in rural areas is proving difficult. Traditional beliefs dictate that blood, which is required to test for the virus, may not be taken from a person. Many villages have also entered a state of panic and begun attacking aid workers, accusing them of causing the virus. Furthermore, ritual medicine and burial often exposes large numbers of people to infected fluids, causing those involved to become infected. Even those who are more informed create a risk, as many elect to stay at home with their families upon hearing that no cure exists. The Situation So far, the main international response has been through countries and organizations providing medical aid personnel to treat the infected and raise awareness among those that are healthy. However, this response is becoming less viable as more health workers contract the disease and hostility in rural areas mounts. In addition, some nations and international aid organizations have already begun removing workers from infected zones. As the number of men and women providing aid in West Africa drops, a new response to the virus is needed. There is some good news however. Recently, a drug from the United States has shown promise in treating infected patients. The extent of its effectiveness has not been tested yet, but the two individuals it was tested on showed improvement. In addition, a Canadian vaccine showed promise in animal trials, though it has not yet been tested on humans. Blood treatment has also proven to be risky yet effective. Recently, the WHO endorsed the use of these experimental, untested drugs to combat the virus. Some has already been shipped to Liberia for use. However, these drugs are incredibly short supply. They also require a doctor to 5

6 administrate them, which is something that many Africans do not have access to. These drugs are a step in the right direction, but they are not enough. Lastly, the issue of neighboring regions must be addressed. While some have already closed their borders, others have not. Flights still continue in and out of all four nations to which the virus has spread. Already, some people with symptoms corresponding with those of Ebola have been found on these flights. As the crisis continues to intensify, it is up to the WHO to advise if any additional measures should be taken. Questions to Consider: 1. What can be done to protect healthy individuals in infected countries? 2. Should the international community continue to send aid workers into areas with known cases of Ebola? 3. How can it be ensured that proper medical aid reaches those in rural areas? 4. How should the limited supplies of medicine be used? 5. Should neighboring countries take preventative measures against the disease? If so, what measures should be taken? 6

7 Works Cited Bariyo, Nicholas. "Ebola Virus: Zambia Blocks Travelers From Nations Hit by Outbreak." World News. The Wall Street Journal, 9 Aug Web. 13 Aug < >. "Barriers to Rapid Containment of the Ebola Outbreak." Global Alert and Response. World Health Organization, 11 Aug Web. 13 Aug < Doherty, Peter. "How Threatened Are We by Ebola Virus?" ABC News, 31 July Web. 13 Aug < "Latest News." Ebola. International SOS, 13 Aug Web. 13 Aug < >. 7

8 Topic 2: Medical Aid in Syria Background The crisis in Syria began in March 2011 in protest to the authoritarian regime led by Bashar al-assad. This was one of the many revolts that occurred during the Arab Spring. However, Syria s revolt became different because it escalated more has lasted longer than the protests in any of the other nations. The violence progressed so much that in September 2012, the International Red Cross declared the event a civil war. Thousands of people have been killed and millions more have been displaced from their homes by both government and opposition forces. Even more troubling is the fact that the international community has been largely excluded from the nation during this time of protest. This exclusion has been so acute the UN has been unable to update its estimated death toll in over a year. Early in 2014, efforts by Russia and the US managed to get the Syrian government and the opposition forces to sit down for peace talks. However, these quickly ended after the Syrian government refused to consider an interim government. Violence continues to plague the area, and the international community continues to be, for the most part, locked out of the nation. The Health-Related Side of the Conflict The casualties and displacement caused by this conflict have been massive. When the UN last updated its estimated death count in July 2013, it was at over 10,000. Now activists estimate that it is at 150,000 or higher. Even more alarming are the staggering numbers of displaced people 8

9 and refugees living in the area. Over 2.4 million refugees had registered with the UN High Commissioner on Refugees as of April 2014, with thousands more waiting to register. Experts believe that there are even more who have not even tried to register. In addition to this number, the WHO estimates an additional 6.5 million are internally displaced, still in the country but unable to return to their homes. Many of these people suffer from disease and injury, but because nearly the entire country has been affected by the conflict, it is often difficult to get medical aid to those who need. Often, international aid has to wait until a ceasefire is called to reach those in the most violent regions. Unfortunately, these regions are often some of the most violent. Health-related infrastructure has taken a large blow during this conflict as well. Since the conflict began, 25% of the hospitals in Syria have been destroyed or forced to close. There are entire governates that no longer have any functioning hospitals, forcing those injured by the conflict to either travel long distances through a wore-torn country, or choose to forgo treatment and hope for the best. Hospitals that remain open suffer from a shortage of surgical supplies and frequent power cuts. In addition to hospital closings, many areas have lost access to clean water. The WHO has estimated that only a third of those who had clean water before the war have it now. In addition, one of the most grievous health dangers is the use of chemical weapons on civilian populations. While no group had taken responsibility for this, a UN investigation found that large quantities of sarin, an extremely potent nerve agent, were present at the site of the 9

10 alleged attacks. Both sides have blamed each other for the attacks, but the high purity of the substance, along with other evidence gathered, seems to point towards the Syrian government as the perpetrator. However, Syria and its allies insist that this was merely a false-flag attempt by the rebels to gain support for their cause. Death estimates range as high as 1700, and many more were injured by the attacks. Though it has been a long time since these weapons were used, it is in this committee s best interest to be prepared. Present Medical Aid Providing international medical aid has been an issue throughout the conflict. Due to the Syria s isolation during the conflict, only limited numbers of aid workers have been able to provide help to the people of Syria. Those that have made it suffer from the same lack of funds and equipment suffered by the people of Syria. Less than 25% of the required funds to the WHO have been provided, which is providing a hindrance to lifesaving efforts. With the Syrian pound devalued by 50%, funding is a pressing issue. The lack of medical professionals also is a pressing issue. The WHO has been able to provide 542 health care professionals to the country, along with more from international organizations such as UNICEP and UNFPA. Medical aid has also been provided by the Syrian Red Crescent. However, this aid has not been enough as a majority of the medical professionals in Syria have fled the country because of the warfare. The WHO needs to find a way to provide additional assistance both to those in the country and the refugees who have fled to neighboring nations. 10

11 Questions to Consider: 1. How should the available aid be balanced between those remaining in Syria and those in refugee camps? 2. How can the WHO provide maximum aid its limited resources? 3. What can be done to increase funding for medical aid missions in Syria? 4. Is it feasible to try to reopen the closed hospitals, and if so how? 5. What, if anything, should be done to prepare for further chemical weapon attacks? 6. What should be the WHO s role in ending the conflict? 11

12 Works Cited "Situation Report #4." WHO Response to the Conflict in Syria. World Health Organization, 15 June Web. 13 Aug <http%3a%2f%2fwww.emro.who.int%2fimages%2fstories%2fsyria%2fsituationrepo rt_ pdf%3fua%3d1>. "Syria's Civil War." CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 03 Apr Web. 13 Aug < "WHO and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent Reach Eastern Aleppo and Mouadamiya in Rural Damascus." Media Centre. World Health Organization, 31 July Web. 13 Aug < 12