Rock Ridge HS

Model United Nations

Mock Conference 2014

Table of contents

....................................................................................................................... Page

Introduction-Welcome Letter.................................................................................. 1

Committee Background........................................................................................... 2

Topic A: Controlling the Ebola Epidemic.................................................................. 3

Background ............................................................................................................ 4

Bloc Positions ....................................................................................................... 10

Committee Rules ................................................................................................... 12

Important Research Links...................................................................................... 13

References ............................................................................................................ 13

Rock Ridge Model United Nations Mock Conference 2014

Delegates,

We are very glad to have you participate in Rock Ridge High School’s first mock conference. Through this

mock conference you will learn first-hand what you will need to do well at an actual conference, and gain

necessary skills to do so. Under the World Health Organization committee you will be considering the

following: Preventing Diseases- Controlling the Ebola Epidemic.

The following pages intend to guide you in the research of the topics that will be debated at the RRMUN 2014

Mock Conference in committee. Please note this guide only provides the basis for your investigation. It is your

responsibility to find as much information necessary on the topics and how they relate to the country you

represent. Such information should help you write your Position Paper, where you need to cite the references

in the text and finally list all references in the Modern Language Association (MLA} format.

The more information and understanding you acquire on the two topics, the more you will be able to influence

the Resolution writing process through debates [moderated and unmoderated caucuses], and the RRMUN

experience as a whole.

We encourage you to learn all you can about your topics first and then study your country with regard to the

selected topic. Please remember that all committee members need to be well versed and ready to discuss the

topic. We look forward to holding this conference and enhance the overall experience for each delegate.

Sincerely,

Anjali Kunapaneni & Sruthi Gopinathan

Secretary-Generals

Committee Background

Since its establishment on 24 October 1945, the United Nations has repeatedly acknowledged

world health as paramount to the stability of mankind. On 7 April 1948, just three years after its own

founding, the United Nations established the World Health Organization. The WHO was given the

responsibility of addressing key global health problems of the time. While the WHO itself was founded

only after the events of World War II, the idea of an international body to look over world health can be

traced back to the League of Nations.

The League of Nations had established a Health Committee and Health Section in 1922. Tasked

with the primary goal of disease control and prevention, the Health Committee worked for a few

decades to combat diseases, but ultimately was able to make little progress. The WHO assumed

oversight over the International Classification of Diseases, an important diagnostic tool used to classify

diseases, analyze health at the population level, and serve other epidemiological purposes. With

initiatives like the Expanded Programme on Immunization and the Essential Medicines List, the WHO

achieved incredible success. The WHO was able to achieve the eradication of smallpox in 1979 and the

establishment of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988.

Furthermore, the WHO has helped to educate people all over the world about basic healthcare.

At the core of the WHO’s mission is the idea that health is fundamental in allowing human beings to

reach their full potential. In fact, health is an area of focus in the Millennium Development Goals and it

is believed that improving health will help strengthen economic growth throughout the world. The WHO

is the primary organization for the oversight of global health issues in the UN. The Health Assembly of

the WHO convenes annually in Geneva, Switzerland and consists of 193 members. The assembly

approves the organization’s budget, decides on matter of policy, and develops resolutions for important

health problems.

Preventing Diseases:

Controlling the Ebola Epidemic

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa – the worst in the history of the disease – has claimed

more than 2,400 lives and continues to spread. Countries hit by this disease need more resources:

more health care workers, more beds, more protective equipment, and more ambulances. Ebola

has become a concerning issue due to its rapid spread, killing more than 1000 people in a matter

of days. The virus is acquired through contact blood or bodily fluids of an infected animal. The

disease may then spread between humans. Many nations are trying to contain the spread of this

disease, but they have not been able to stop it completely. As medical teams work to treat the

deadly disease, and airports around the country stand ready to quarantine any new sick travelers,

one thing is certain: An international response is essential, and the UN’s World Health

Organization (WHO) has never been more critical. A spread of a deadly disease has started and it

is our job to combat it and save the world population. We are looking forward to solve this issue

with short-term and long-term solutions and save the world.

Background

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) was first documented in 1976 through two simultaneous

outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo near the Ebola River, from which the virus derives

its name,as well as in Sudan. The virus is extremely fatal, resulting in death for approximately

90% of those infected. Genus ebolavirus is one of three ‘members’ of the filovirus family and has

five different species/strands:

- Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV)

- Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV)

- Reston ebolavirus (RESTV)

- Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV)

- Taï Forest ebolavirus (TAFV)

The BDBV, EBOV, and SUDV have been responsible for the fatal outbreaks within Africa,

while the RESTV species (often seen in the Philippines and in China), have infected humans, but

have not resulted in documented illness or death. Ebola is transmitted from human to human by

close contact with bodily fluids, such as blood and semen, or infected animals. Men who have

been infected with the disease and survive can still transmit Ebola through their semen up to

seven weeks after recovering. Within Africa, acute levels of transmissions are recorded due to

handling ill or deceased chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, antelope, and porcupines

found within the rainforest.

The incubation period of Ebola (from infection to showing signs of symptoms) is between

2-21 days. Symptoms generally show themselves as a sudden fever, intense weakness, muscle

pain, headache and sore throat. As the virus intensifies, the infected person will experience

vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, internal and

external bleeding. A person is deemed infectious as long as they show symptoms of the virus.

Various testing methods exist to diagnose the disease; however, obtaining samples is considered

an extreme biohazard risk and must be conducted under maximum biological containment

conditions.

As of September 2014, there is no known ‘cure’ or vaccine for Ebola. There are numerous

vaccines that are being clinically tested, including a Canadian made vaccine, which may be

approved for use before the end of the year. Results from safety studies conducted on humans

in the latter half of September will be available come November. If these results are positive, the

vaccines will then be sent in waves to front line health workers and staff in Africa, according to a

prioritization plan created by WHO earlier this year.

According to WHO, bypassing vaccine development protocols is without precedent. In

terms of treatment, WHO recommends that countries addressing viral outbreaks should be

assisted in offering patients transfusions of whole blood, plasma, or ‘convalescent serum’

produced from the blood of those who have survived the virus. This treatment has been deemed

very effective by doctors.

In the absence of effective treatment and a human vaccine, raising awareness of the risk

factors for Ebola infection and the protective measures individuals can take is the only way to

reduce human infection and death. In Africa, during EVD outbreaks, educational public health

messages for risk reduction should focus on several factors:

Reducing the risk of wildlife-to-human transmission from contact with infected fruit bats

or monkeys/apes and the consumption of their raw meat. Animals should be handled

with gloves and other appropriate protective clothing. Animal products (blood and meat)

should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.

Reducing the risk of human-to-human transmission in the community arising from direct

or close contact with infected patients, particularly with their bodily fluids. Close physical

contact with Ebola patients should be avoided. Gloves and appropriate personal

protective equipment should be worn when taking care of ill patients at home. Regular

hand washing is required after visiting patients in hospital, as well as after taking care of

patients at home.

Communities affected by Ebola should inform the population about the nature of the

disease and about outbreak containment measures, including burial of the dead. People

who have died from Ebola should be promptly and safely buried.

It is not always possible to identify patients with EBV early because initial symptoms may be

non-specific. For this reason, it is important that health-care workers apply standard precautions

consistently with all patients – regardless of their diagnosis – in all work practices at all times.

These include basic hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, and the use of personal protective

equipment (according to the risk of splashes or other contact with infected materials), safe

injection practices and safe burial practices.

Ebola does not spread via water or air and is thus only transmitted through person-to-person

or animal-to-person contact, with dead bodies being much more contagious. These human or

animal carriers are migrating over borders, and due to globalization and increased crowding in

cities, they can effectively spread the virus faster and farther into countries and regions who

would otherwise not see the virus. Risks also lie with those who leave infected dead bodies to rot

in their community. In one such case, fear of burying 19 bodies led to an outbreak of 35 more

cases a few days later.

Ebola is a highly contagious virus and extremely deadly. 60-90% of those who contract the

disease die. As a relatively new strain of the virus, there is currently no vaccine to help mitigate

its widespread infection. Ebola refers to a class of viruses which cause hemorrhagic fevers, or

fevers with excessive

internal bleeding. Its often mistaken for other diseases because its initial symptoms are similar

to Malaria, Typhoid, or Meningitis, more common diseases.

Ebola has no easy cure or treatment. Keeping patients hydrated and their oxygen levels

stabilized helps prevent against further complications from the virus. Fewer people die from the

virus itself but rather from the complications of hemorrhagic fevers.

The current Ebola outbreak has reached a mortality rate of almost 90% in some areas and is

spreading rapidly. New viral outbreaks are common in the region but are mostly isolated to a

village. A longer incubation period of 10-21 days has allowed the Ebola virus to infect increasingly

populated areas with less detection and thus has made it difficult for organizations to trace its

origin.

Ebola has a huge impact on today’s world, with death rates surpassing 5,000 and continuing

to increase. It is vital to have proper health workers working at the site to keep the disease

contained in certain areas. By taking proper preventive measures and informing the public, the

WHO and daily citizens can combat this disease.

Past UN and Country Involvement

Ebola outbreaks have been studied by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for

Disease Control since the first reported outbreak in 1976. As the epidemic has increased in magnitude,

Doctors without Borders has played an increasing role and the outbreak has been declared a Public Health

Emergency of International Concern. Interestingly enough, corporations rather than the government have

shown a growing concern towards the Ebola outbreak. The Bill and Melinda Gates foundation has pledged

over $50 million dollars total for research on the virus, the WHO, and UNICEF.

The World Bank has pledged a $105 million dollar grant to WHO which is asking for nearly a billion

dollars to prevent the spread of ebola. Ebola has been recognized by President Obama as a “serious

threat” and has pledged 3000 troops consisting not only of military personnel but also of engineers and

medical personnel. These troops would establish a base in Liberia and set up centers for patients to

receive care.

Past outbreaks of Ebola have not escalated to epidemics and have been relatively contained. This

has proven to be the biggest breakout of Ebola in the history of the disease.

Guiding Questions

1. Has your country ever experienced an epidemic and how did they respond?

2. What measures should the UN take when there is a epidemic?

3. Is your country capable of responding to an epidemic?

4. What can your country provide to aid in resisting Ebola?

Country Blocs & Their Roles in the Outbreak

Rich Developed Nations (Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, Australia, etc.)

These nations are known for investing into research and sending trained personnel to hot zones where

the outbreak is rampant. The vaccines that are being pushed through the testing stages all hail from

developed nations. Besides testing and sending medical personnel (doctors, nurses, etc.) to outbreak

zones, these countries may decide to offer medical supplies. These nations will be affected, if at all, by

open borders, ship cargo, and air travel from infected areas. Delegates should focus their attention on

creating at-home precautionary plans in case of a potential outbreak (isolation wards for those who show

symptoms and those traveling from infected areas), vaccine research (and potential distribution plans if

tests are successful), awareness campaigns, sending medical personnel and supplies to infected areas,

and listening to nations whose countries are experiencing an outbreak.

Developing Nations (India, China, Brazil, etc.)

These nations, often with large populations and large pockets of poverty, should focus on containment

plans (such as isolation wards) and tracking those who have recently travelled to infected areas. While

not as rich as Developed nations such as the United States, delegates may still offer to participate in

sending experienced personnel to infected nations (medical, engineers etc.), and supplies to West Africa.

Affected Countries & Those With Proximal Closeness (Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal,

DRC, etc.)

These nations are already affected or are on the verge of being affected. As they are poor, the limited

resources they have are already stretched to the limit. Delegates should focus on containment and

awareness for the disease and ask for help from developed nations for trained medical personnel,

supplies, money, etc. Many native medical personnel in these countries lack the knowledge of how to deal

with the growing outbreak, and thus need quick and effective training to help curb the rise of infected

persons. Remote areas often do not even have running water or soap to help disinfect themselves.

Moreover, nations like Guinea have already experienced discontent and riots from citizens due to

attempted containment and disinfectant methods. Therefore, delegates should understand the public

consequences of the actions they make in committee.

Rules and Procedure

Point of Personal Privilege: You may raise this to address a concern over the committee environment that

is severely impeding your ability to participate. For example, this may include technical issues, inability to

hear the speaker, or physical discomfort.

Point of Order: You may raise this to complain of improper parliamentary procedure from the dais or

another delegate.

Right of Reply: If you feel your national dignity has been insulted or been personally offended by a

speaker’s remark, you may rise on this right. If the dais acknowledges your right to a reply, you will be

immediately given an opportunity to address the offending remarks. Some conferences encourage you to

write a note up to the dais instead, however, explaining why you feel you merit a right of reply to prevent

interrupting the debate.

Point of Parliamentary Inquiry: If you have a question regarding the rules or procedures, or are uncertain

of what is going on, you may ask a question for clarification.

Motion for Adjournment of Meeting: This motion may be raised to end the committee session for the

remainder of the entire conference. Do not raise this motion until the end of the last scheduled committee

session.

Motion for Suspension of the Meeting: This motion may be raised to end the committee session until the

next scheduled meeting. The dais will rule this out of order if this motion is raised prematurely.

Motion for an Unmoderated Caucus: See next section for information on unmoderated caucuses. You

must specify the duration of the unmoderated caucus when raising this motion.

Motion for a Moderated Caucus: See next section for information on moderated caucuses. You must

specify the topic, duration, and speaking time for the caucus when raising this motion.

Additional Resources

CIA World Factbook (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/)

United Nations Cyber School Bus (http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/modelun/prep.html)

United Nations (http://www.un.org/)

Google Scholar (http://scholar.google.com/)

UN Wire (https://www2.smartbrief.com/signupSystem/subscribe.action?pageSequence=1&briefName=

un_wire)

Bibliography

Model United Nations WHO Background Guide (http://muna.ca/wp-

content/uploads/2014/04/EbolaBackgroundGuide.pdf)

The Ebola Crisis, UNAUSA (http://www.unausa.org/news-publications/article/the-ebola-crisis-what-you-

can-do-to-help)

Ebola, Online Model United Nations (http://onlinemodelunitednations.org/blog/august-current-affairs-

ebola)