KFMUN 2020

Committee of the World Health Organization

TableofContents LETTER FROM CHAIRS ......................................................................................................... 3

HISTORY OF WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION……………………………………………………………………4

WHO’S LEADERSHIP PRIORITIES ARE AIMED AT…..………………………………………….………………..5 INTRODUCTIONS TO AGENDA ITEMS……………………………………………………………………………….6 TOPIC 1: PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS AND MINIMIZING THE RISKS………….6 TOPIC 2 : REDUCING HEALTH-TREATHING CHEMICAL WASTE AND CARBON EMISSION……16

LETTER FROM CHAIRS Dear delegates, We are honoured to welcome you all to KFMUN and our precious committee. We hope this study guide helps and gives you information about our topics and what is happening in our world. We are looking forward to meet you all and hear the best solutions. Hope you will be satisfied by your experience with us and we are aiming to present you an unforgettable memory within all fun. PS: do not forget your face mask due to avoid coronavirus :P Sincerely,

Committee Directors Rüya ÇALIŞLAR Fevzi İrfan CAN

A) History of World Health Organization

World Health Organization (WHO), French Organisation Mondiale de la Santé, specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1948 to further international cooperation for improved public health conditions.

In the 1800s, markedly increased trade and travel with the East led to outbreaks of cholera and other epidemic diseases in Europe. In response to cholera epidemics in 1830 and 1847, which killed tens of thousands in Europe, the first International Sanitary Conference was convened in Paris in 1851. At the time, the cause of cholera was unknown and due to political differences little was accomplished at this or the next several meetings. Nonetheless, the conferences were the first attempt at establishing a mechanism for international cooperation for disease prevention and control. The effort finally paid off with the adoption in 1892 of the International Sanitary Convention for the control of cholera and 5 years later with a Convention that addressed control of the plague.

In the Americas, the forerunner of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the International Sanitary Bureau, was established in 1902, making PAHO the oldest international health agency in the world. In Europe, L'Office International d'Hygiene Publique was established in 1907, and in 1919 the League of Nations established the Health Organisation of the League of Nations in Geneva. In 1926, the International Sanitary Convention was revised to include provisions against smallpox and typhus. The last International Sanitary Conference was held in Paris in 1938 on the eve of World War II. Immediately after World War II, in 1945, the UN Conference on International Organisations in San Francisco voted to establish a new international health organisation and a year later the International Health Conference in New York approved the Constitution of the World Health Organisation. Between 1946 and 1948 an Interim Commission, with 18 states, took over the work of L'Office International d'Hygiene Publique, the Health Organisation of the League of Nations, and the Health Division of the UN Relief and Rehabilitation Administration. In 1948, the WHO Constitution obtained enough signatures to bring it into force. The Pan American Health Organisation became one of WHO's six regional organisations. The First World Health Assembly met in Geneva in the summer of 1948 and established as priorities for the organisation: malaria, tuberculosis, venereal diseases, maternal and child health, sanitary engineering, and nutrition. The organisation had a budget of US$5 million in 1948. In addition, the Organisation was involved in wide-ranging disease prevention and control efforts including mass campaigns against yaws, endemic syphilis, leprosy, and trachoma

WHO’s leadership priorities are aimed at:

• 1. Assisting countries that seek progress toward universal health coverage

• 2. Helping countries establish their capacity to adhere to International Health Regulations

• 3. Increasing access to essential and high-quality medical products

• 4. Addressing the role of social, economic, and environmental factors in public health

• 5. Coordinating responses to noncommunicable disease

• 6. Promoting public health and well-being in keeping with the Sustainable Development Goals, set forth by the UN.

B) INTRODUCTIONS TO AGENDAS B.1) Topic 1: Preventing the spread of coronavirus and minimizing the risks What is Coronavirus ?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome . A novel coronavirus is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

Symptoms:

• Fever • Severe Cough • Shortness of breath • Kidney failure

How to protect yourself:

Wash your hands frequently

Wash your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. Washing your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water kills the virus if it is on your hands.

Practice respiratory hygiene

When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – discard tissue immediately into a closed bin and clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. Covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing prevent the spread of germs and viruses. If you sneeze or cough into your hands, you may contaminate objects or people that you touch.

Maintain social distancing

Maintain at least 1 metre distance between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever. When someone who is infected with a respiratory disease, coronavirus, coughs or sneezes they project small droplets containing the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the virus.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Hands touch many surfaces which can be contaminated with the virus. If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your contaminated hands, you can transfer the virus from the surface to yourself.

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

Tell your health care provider if you have traveled in an area in China where coronovirus has been reported, or if you have been in close contact with someone with who has traveled from China and has respiratory symptoms. Whenever you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing it’s important to seek medical attention promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Respiratory symptoms with fever can have a range of causes, and depending on your personal travel history and circumstances, coronovirus could be one of them.

If you have mild respiratory symptoms and no travel history to or within China

If you have mild respiratory symptoms and no travel history to or within China, carefully practice basic respiratory and hand hygiene and stay home until you are recovered, if possible.

As a general precaution, practice general hygiene measures when visiting live animal markets, wet markets or animal product markets

Ensure regular hand washing with soap and potable water after touching animals and animal products; avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with hands; and avoid contact with sick animals

or spoiled animal products. Strictly avoid any contact with other animals in the market (e.g., stray cats and dogs, rodents, birds, bats). Avoid contact with potentially contaminated animal waste or fluids on the soil or structures of shops and market facilities. Avoid consumption of raw or undercooked animal products Handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.

Is it safe to receive a letter or a package from China?

Yes, it is safe. People receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting the new coronavirus. From previous analysis, we know coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages.

Can pets at home spread the new coronavirus?

At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be

infected with the new coronavirus. However, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with

soap and water after contact with pets. This protects you against various common bacteria

such as E.coli and Salmonella that can pass between pets and humans. At present, there is no

evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new

coronavirus. However, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after

contact with pets. This protects you against various common bacteria such as E.coli and

Salmonella that can pass between pets and humans.

Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the new coronavirus?

No. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus.

The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine against coronovirus, and WHO is supporting their efforts.

Although these vaccines are not effective against coronovirus, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health.

Does the new coronavirus affect older people, or are younger people also susceptible?

People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus. WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene

Can the coronavirus be transmitted from person to person?

Yes, the coronavirus causes respiratory disease and can be transmitted from person to person, usually after close contact with an infected patient, for example, in a household workplace, or health care centre.

How dangerous is it?

As with other respiratory illnesses, infection with coronavirus can cause mild symptoms including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever. It can be more severe for some persons and can lead to pneumonia or breathing difficulties. More rarely, the disease can be fatal. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as, diabetes and heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus

Should I wear a mask to protect myself?

Wearing a medical mask can help limit the spread of some respiratory disease. However, using a mask alone is not guaranteed to stop infections and should be combined with other prevention measures including hand and respiratory hygiene and avoiding close contact – at least 1 metre distance between yourself and other people.WHO advises on rational use of medical masks thus avoiding unnecessary wastage of precious resources and potential mis-use of masks (see Advice on the use of masks). This means using masks only if you have respiratory symptoms (coughing or sneezing), have suspected coronavirus infection with mild symptoms or are caring for someone with suspected coronavirus infection. A suspected coronavirus infection is linked to travel in an area in China where coronavirus has been reported, or close contact with someone who has travelled from China and has respiratory symptoms.

How does this virus spread?

The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through contact with an infected person through respiratory droplets generated when a person, for example, coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. It is important that everyone practice good respiratory hygiene. For example, sneeze or cough into a flexed elbow, or use a tissue and discard it immediately into a closed bin. It is also very important for people to wash their hands regularly with either alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water

How deadly is it?

Some experts say it may not be as deadly as other types of coronavirus such as SARS, which killed nearly 800 people worldwide, more than 300 in China alone - during a 2002-2003 outbreak that also originated in China. MERS, which did not spread as widely, was more deadly, killing one-third of those it infected. In China, however, the infection is more widespread than SARS in terms of case numbers.

Where have cases been reported?

Most cases and deaths have been reported in China - the vast majority in Hubei Province. So far, Hong Kong and the Philippines have reported a death from the new virus outside of mainland China. The virus has spread to many Asian countries, as well as Australia, Europe, North America and the Middle East. The majority of cases outside China are among people who recently travelled there.

What is being done to stop it from spreading?

Scientists are working on a vaccine but have warned one is unlikely to be available for mass distribution before 2021.

Chinese authorities have effectively sealed off Wuhan, and have placed restrictions on travel to and from several other cities, affecting some 56 million people.

The move was meant to "resolutely contain the momentum of the epidemic spreading" and protect lives, the central city's special command centre against the virus said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Many airlines have cancelled flights to China, while some countries have banned Chinese nationals from entering and have evacuated their citizens from Wuhan.

Where did the virus originate?

Chinese health authorities are still trying to determine the origin of the virus, which they say likely came from a seafood market in Wuhan where wildlife was also traded illegally.

The WHO also says an animal source appears most likely to be the primary source of the outbreak.

On February 2, officials in Hubei said the virus had a 96 percent concordance with an already-known bat-borne coronavirus. Chinese scientists previously mentioned snakes as a possible source.

Is this a global emergency?

The outbreak constitutes a global health emergency, the WHO has said.

The decision to sound the top-level alarm was made after the first cases of human-to-human transmission outside China were confirmed.

The international health alert is a call on countries around the world to coordinate their response under the guidance of the United Nations health agency

Questions to be addressed: 1) Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat coronavirus ? 2) Who can catch this virus? 3) Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the coronavirus? 4) Can coronavirus be caught from a person who presents no symptoms? 5) Can humans become infected with the coronavirus from an animal source? 6) Who is at risk from developing severe illness? 7) How can we prevent coronavirus?

Bibliography: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/coronavirus-symptoms-vaccines-risks-200122194509687.html

Topic 2: Reducing health-threatening chemical waste and carbon emission

What is Chemical Waste and Carbon Emission ?

Chemical Waste

A chemical waste is any solid, liquid, or gaseous waste material that, if improperly managed or disposed of, may pose substantial hazards to human health and the environment. Examples of Chemical Waste • Reagent grade chemicals • Used oil • Spent Solvents • Sulphur • Asbestos • Mercury • Pesticides • Solutions and Chemicals for Film Processing • Gas Cylinders • Chemically Contaminated Objects – Syringes, Needles, Razors • Chemical Powders • Electronic Equipment • Toner / Print Cartridges • Ethylene Glycol • Paint • Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Carbon Emission:

Carbon emission, in the simplest sense, means the release of carbon into the atmosphere.

When carbon emissions are mentioned, many different definitions come to mind but carbon emission is actually to talk about greenhouse gas emissions.

Most greenhouse gases have carbon molecules. in the Kyoto Protocol, four of the six gases that considered as greenhouse gases have a carbon molecule.

The main reasons for the increase in carbon emission and greenhouse gas in the world are;

• Transportation • Electricity production • Industry • Commercial and Residential • Agriculture • Land Use and Forestry

Potential Risks: Every day, we are exposed to chemicals and pollutants - in our air, food and water. There are chemicals in everyday products we use at work, at home and at play. While some chemicals

and carbon emmission may be beneficial to our health, others may pose a health risk if they're not handled properly.

Exposure and Health Effects of Chemical Waste Accidents or incorrect use of household chemical products may cause immediate health effects, such as skin or eye irritation or burns, or poisoning.

There can also be longer-term health effects from chemicals. When these occur, they are usually the result of exposure to certain chemicals over a long period of time.

Depending on the chemical, these longer-term health effects might include:

• organ damage • weakening of the immune system • development of allergies or asthma • reproductive problems and birth defects • effects on the mental, intellectual or physical development of children • cancer

Health Effects of Carbon Emission Approximately 10,000 teragrams (Tg) of waste gas carbon is emitted globally each year which is undoubtly affects human’s life and increases Air Pollution. So what is air pollution? Air Pollution: Air pollution occurs when harmful or excessive quantities of substances including gases such as ammonia, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous

oxides, methane and chlorofluorocarbons, particulates and biological molecules are introduced into Earth's atmosphere. It may cause diseases, allergies and even death to humans; it may also cause harm to other living organisms such as animals and food crops, and may damage the natural or built environment. Both human activity and natural processes can generate air pollution Nations with Highest and Lowest Air Pollution rate First of all how to measure air pollution? Air pollution measures by the indicator called “PM 2.5”. The "PM" stands for "particulate matter," and the "2.5" stands for 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller — roughly the size of a single bacterium. When PM 2.5 levels go above roughly 35 micrograms per cubic meter of air, it can become a major health problem. The WHO recommends keeping PM 2.5 levels to about 10 micrograms per cubic meter.

According the table and World map; Saudi Arabia ,Qatar, Egypt ,Bangladesh, Kuwait, Cameroon, UAE, Nepal and India have one of highest air pollution. Reasons for Air Pollution

• The burning of fossil fuels • Agricultural activities • Eshaust from factories and industries • Minning operations • Indoor air pollution

Diseases from Carbon Emission

• Cardiovascular disease • Respiratory diseases • Asthma + chronic obstructive pulmonary disease • Ashtma • Cardiac • Ischaemic hearth disease

Questions to be addressed

1) What can do to decrease air pollution? 2) What are the types of pollutants, which of them are more harmful? 3) How topic 2 affect the future? 4) How possible solutions can be found for the countries with high air pollution? 5) How chemical wastes affect countries’ healthcare?

Bibliography: www.who.int www.britannica.com/topic/World-Health-Organization www.who.int/about/who-we-are/history www.nap.edu/read/25232/chapter/4 www.enva.com/case-studies/impact-of-chemical-waste www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions earthhero.com/carbon-emissions/ www.businessinsider.com/how-atmospheric-carbon-dioxide-affects-health-2018-5 www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-effects-chemical-exposure.html