WHO

To Embrace Autism Together

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The conference was convened to discuss ways in which the global community can address autism through the SDGs.  As a panelist, H.E. Mr. Momen highlighted the importance of perceiving people with autism as individuals. We must accept their differences, for they are also human and thus have the same essential human rights. He further noted that there can be no talk of health without addressing mental health. Ms. Ban Soon-Taek stated that the equal participation of people with autism is required in order to create the inclusive societies laid out in the 2030 Agenda.

Ms. Wright reminded the assembly that 193 member states have voted to help the nearly 70 million people with autism. Through her organization’s initiative, Light it Up Blue, 147 countries have pledged to light their countries blue in dedication to the rights of people with autism. Starting with the Empire State building, 10 of the world’s tallest buildings would join the initiative and “go blue”. She further acknowledged the accomplishments of the coordinated Autism Speaks and WHO initiative: “Parent Skills Training for Caregivers of Children with Developmental Delays and Disorders”. The program delivers both parents and families with the skills needed for the management of developmental disorders such as autism. The goal is to empower families to take control.

Next, Dr. Nabarro claimed that effective development is one in which all people can participate in as much of life as possible. Thus, the treatment of autism must move beyond simply a health issue and enlist wider societal involvement. Dr. Shore shared his own experience as an autistic child and the ways in which his parents helped in his development and return to school. We must look at what a person with autism can do and move from awareness to acceptance and finally appreciation.

Meeting: “Addressing Autism: Strategies for the Global Community in Relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”

Date/Location: April 1, 2016; 15:00-18:00; Trusteeship Council Chamber

Speakers: H.E. Mr. Masud Bin Momen, Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN; H.E. Ms. Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the UN; H.E. Mr. Syed Akbaruddin, Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of India to the UN; Ms. Ban Soon-Taek, Spouse of the UN Secretary-General; Ms. Suzane Wright, founder of Autism Speaks; Dr. Stephen Shore, Professor at Adelphi University in New York; Dr. David Nabarro; Special Adviser on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Written By: WIT Representative Emilie Broek

Edited By: WIT Representative Alex Margolick

Responding to Zika: Prevention is Better Than the Cure

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The Beautiful Risk

Today, H.E. Oh Joon began the briefing with introducing its agenda concerning the need for international cooperation and building preparedness in the face of the public health crisis due to the rise of the Zika virus and cited possible contributing factors to the outbreak, including climate change.  Then, Dr. Menabde and Dr. Espinal spoke of the WHO’s and PAHO’s objective of investigating and responding to microcephaly and other neurological disorders related to the Zika outbreak by enhancing surveillance measures to monitor the spread of the virus, communicating with communities to dispel stereotypes about the virus and encourage safe sex among pregnant women and their partners, and researching the virus’ consequences.  Next, Dr. Kachur mentioned the CDC’s need for forming better monitoring systems for the virus, enhancing laboratory systems, training workforces, and establishing more field offices to further investigate the disease, as well as creating better tests to differentiate symptoms of the Zika virus from other diseases, such as dengue and chikungunya.

Additionally, Dr. Henriques spoke of the evolution of the virus in Brazil since the beginning of 2015 and mentioned that the rise in cases of microcephaly is what alerted health professionals to the possibility of a Zika outbreak.  He also stated that although the government is dealing with many unanswered questions concerning the current scientifically unproven link between microcephaly and the Zika virus and the future consequences of the disease, Brazil’s Ministry of Health’s main priority is to combat the Aedes aegypti mosquito carrying the virus and support women and children.  Finally, Mr. Wahba cited that there are 503 cases of the Zika virus in Haiti and that development, human rights issues and underfunding are impediments to helping achieve progress in this matter within the country.

Meeting: Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) 2016 Session: Briefing on the Zika Virus

Date/Time/Location: Tuesday, February 16, 2016; 15:00-17:00; Economic and Social Council Chamber

Speakers: His Excellency Ambassador Oh Joon, President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) from the Republic of Korea; Dr. Natela Menabde, Executive Director of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Office at the United Nations (UN) in New York City; Dr. Marcos Espinal, Director of the Department of Communicable Diseases and Health Analysis at the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO); Dr. Patrick Kachur, Principal Deputy Director of the Center for Global Health at the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Dr. Cláudio Maierovitch Pessanha Henriques, Director of the Department of Communicable Disease Surveillance at the Ministry of Health in Brazil; Mr. Mourad Wahba, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations (UN) Stabilization Mission in Haiti and the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator, Humanitarian Coordinator, and Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Port-au-Prince

Written By: WIT Representative Shubhangi Shukla

Edited By: WIT Representative Alex Margolick

Photo Credit: BBC News

Ebola Trend Report In West Africa

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   Mr. Nabarro briefed the UN on Wednesday on Ebola and the work he has been doing. He mentioned that the number of people with Ebola in West Africa has declined in recent months even though the outbreak is not completely over. The good news is that transmission of the virus has stopped in Liberia and Sierra Leone and both countries are in a 90-day period of enhanced surveillance as they are determined to avoid a recurrence. The trend in Guinea is also positive and the country started its own countdown to having an interval of 42 days after the last case. Mr. Nabarro expressed his delight in the leadership that has been shown in all 3 of the affected countries and also at the way in which the international community continues to be engaged.

He also discussed his priorities going forward. First and foremost, Mr. Nabarro wants to ensure that survivors are able to maintain good hygiene, practice safe sex, receive psychological and medical support, and in some cases economic support as well. He also wants countries to have the capacity to protect, detect, and to respond in place to any possible resurgence. Finally, Mr. Nabarro wants to honor those affected by outbreak by making sure that such deadly diseases are dealt with in a better manner in the future.

For the WHO, Mr. Nabarro also had three recommendations that have been accepted by the WHO’s director-general. They included the WHO being neutral and free of political pressures, instituting a powerful and integrated program for outbreaks and emergencies, and independent oversight of the organization.

Meeting: Press briefing by the Spokesperson [Guest: Dr. David Nabarro, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Ebola]

Speaker: Dr. David Nabarro, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Ebola

Written By: WIT Representative Tania Makker

Edited By: WIT Representative Alex Margolick

Community and Policy Action to Empower Women

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2415633098_37d02e886aMs. Colakovic discussed the status of women in Bosnia, where 25% of peacekeepers are required to be women. Currently, 10 safe houses for women exist and victims of domestic violence are now more encouraged to report violence to NGOs and agencies working on issues related to domestic violence and protection. Ms. Colakovic stated that the most common form of violence is psychological followed by physical and sexual abuse.

Ms. Sisic asserted that to feel safe and protected is a human right. Violence against women and girls is a global human rights issue fueled by a global power imbalance. She stated that political action–not just political will–must be increased. Ms. Swahn explained that gender based violence and the global burden of alcohol are both barriers for development. People who are intoxicated have increased risk of rape and sexual violence, and very little research exists in areas where high levels of alcohol use take place, such as in African countries. Mr. Cortez introduced an initiative that UNDP and WHO are working together on to reduce alcohol consumption.  The goal of this conference is to interfere with health policy specifically in Africa, where alcohol policies have gotten stuck in draft phases.

Ms. Rojhani discussed how non-communicable diseases affect women and how they undermine sustainable development. At least half of the 40 million people with HIV are women, and women who have experienced violence are up to three times more likely to be infected with HIV. Women in general are less responsive to health systems because of a lack of screening, a “one size fits all” approach, and lack of access.

Meeting: Three Major Epidemics Burdening Women: Community and Policy Action to Empower Women (organized by the Permanent Mission of Bosnia and Herzegovina and IOGT International)
Date & Location: 18 March 2015, Conference Room E, UN Headquarters, New York
Speakers: Kristina Sperkova, IOGT International; Aldijana Sisic, UN Trust Fund to End Women Against Violence; Adis Arnautovic, CEM Bosnia and Herzegovina; John Mututho, NACADA Kenya; Clifton Cortez, UNDP HIV, Health & Development Group; Ariella Rojhani, NCD Alliance; Monica Swahn, Georgia State University; H.E. Mirsada Colakovic, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN
Written by WIT Representative: Paige Stokols
Edited by WIT Representative: Philip Bracey

Panel discussion on the occasion of the World Toilet Day

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world-toilet-day_50b8f4f685beb_w1500The panel discussion was in recognition of the 2nd World Toilet Day, which is a day marked to bring awareness to approximately ⅓ of the people around the world who do not have access to a toilet, despite the human right to water and sanitation. This event mainly focused on open defecation and the challenges of women and children in developing countries.

The UN- Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking Water (GLAAS) 2014 Report theme is increasing access to sanitation while reducing inequalities worldwide. The Chair of UN-Water stated that he is proud of the comprehensive data released in each GLAAS report, and that agencies must come together to ensure progress and environmental sustainability. From 1990 to 2012, 2.3 billion people gained access to improved drinking water. Within the same time period, the number of children deaths related to diarrhoeal diseases fell from 1.5 million deaths to about 600,000 deaths. There is a strong correlation between water quality, sanitation, and diarrhoeal disease.

According to the Deputy Secretary General, about 2.5 billion people around the world have no access to improved sanitation. Just 18 months ago, community efforts were started to eliminate open defecation by 2025. Ending open defecation would lead to a 30%-40% reduction of deaths due to diarrhea. The statement, “toilets bring dignity and equality” was brought up multiple times throughout the event.

A representative from UN Women discussed the importance of sanitation and toilets. Women before and after giving birth are at high risks of infection and infecting their children due to lack of sanitation. Something as simple as having access to soap and water to wash one’s hands can prevent the spread of disease. Overall, many representatives agreed that good health is the basis of human life and investments should be made to improve social lives and dignity.

Meeting Topic: Panel discussion on the occasion of the World Toilet Day (in accordance with General Assembly resolution 67/291, entitled “Sanitation for All”) (co-organized by the Permanent Mission of Singapore and UN-Water)
Date/Location: Wednesday, November 19, 2014; 1:15 pm- 3:00 pm; Trusteeship Council Chamber
Speakers: Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson, Singapore Ambassador Karen Tan, Chair of UN Water Michel Jarraud, World Health Organization (WHO) representative from New York Jeni Oppenheimer, Unilever Representative Dr. Analia Mendez, UN Women, Dr. Jean Chamberlain video feed from Save the Mothers, Senior Responder to Cholera in Haiti, Representative from UNICEF, Representatives of India, Rwanda, Samoa, Vietnam, Suriname, Nepal, and Granada
Written by WIT Representatives: Paige Stokols and Alis Yoo

Edited by WIT Representative: Aslesha Dhillon

UN Focuses on the Rights of Older Persons with Dementia

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Dementia-imageOn July 30th, a conference was held at the UN to discuss the right of older persons with dementia to holistic care. To date, age is the main risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It is estimated that 1 in 9 persons aged 65 years old or above suffer from irreversible dementia. This number will double in the next 20 years. The current global cost of dementia is around USD 604 billion annually, which is 1% of the total global GDP.

Beginning the conference, the representative of Alzheimer’s Disease International highlighted the work of his organization, which supports action on the rights of older persons, particularly focusing on those with dementia. Next, Mr. Connor introduced the World Palliative Care Alliance, which aims at promoting universal access to affordable, quality palliative care through the support of regional and national hospices and palliative care organizations. The World Health Organization defined the term “palliative care” as the need for care in chronic, life-threatening, and life-limiting conditions. There is no time or prognostic limit on the delivery of palliative care. Furthermore, palliative care is not limited to one care setting.

Ms. Pettus then emphasized that more than 6 billion people worldwide do not have access to strong painkillers. Her job as the advocacy officer is to promote universal access of high-quality palliative care, integrated in a continuum of care with disease prevention and treatment in order to assure that no patient or family caregiver suffers unnecessarily. Mr. Caspi, who works as a nurse aide, is an advocate for older persons with dementia. He explained that there is an increase in dementia worldwide, yet those people suffering from dementia are unable to defend and advocate for themselves in relation to their personal care. This has led to unintentional abuses. He suggested a way to combat this is to educate dementia patient’s family members in understanding the social and physical aspects and of dementia.

 

Meeting Title: The Right of Older People to Holistic Palliative Care, Adequate Pain Management and Dementia Care and Support
Speakers: Representative of Alzheimer’s Disease International; Mr. Stephen R Connor, Senior Fellow to the “World Palliative Care Alliance” – London (WPCA); Ms. Katherine Irene Pettus, Advocacy Officer, Human Rights and Palliative Care, International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care; Mr. Eilon Caspi, Gerontologist & Dementia Behavior Specialist Providence ,VA Medical Center; Ms. Lia Daichman, Clinical Gerontologist, Buenos Aires, Ar.
Location: Conference Room A, United Nations Headquarters, New York
Date: 30 July 2014
Written By WIT Representative: Samantha Kong
Edited By: Marli Kasdan

Opening of the Open-Ended Working Group on Aging

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In order to strengthen the protection of the rights of older people, the fifth session of the Open- Ended Working Group on Aging (OEWGA) commenced today. Issues on the care of older people, violence and abuse against older people, and planning for end of life care were discussed.

Aging is one of the greatest social and economic challenges in the 21st century that we are currently facing worldwide. Representatives of the European Union stated that more than 20% of Europeans will be 65 years old or older by 2050. The EU has adopted a report last month, which underlines the importance of social investment in long-term care. It is necessary to provide adequate social protection connected to long-term care.

Furthermore, the representative of the United States highlighted that it is necessary to focus on developing practical measures to address the rights of older persons. In 2010, President Obama signed into law the Elder Justice Act, which is dedicated to the prevention, detection, treatment, intervention, and prosecution of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

images-13Furthermore, the issue of human rights of older persons has been on the agenda in Japan for a long time. Japan has the most rapidly aging population in the world. 25.1% of the population is aged 65 years old or older, and this percentage will reach 40% by 2060. The reasons for rapid aging are due to the improvement of living conditions and food quality, as well as the advancement in medical treatment, and the decline in the birth rate. Japan is currently promoting cooperation with ASEAN for Active Aging to exchange views with various countries and civil society in tackling this global issue. According to the World Health Organization, active aging is the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation, and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age.

Meeting Title: Fifth Session of Open Ended Working Group on Ageing
Speakers: Mr. Mateo Estrémé, Chair of OEWGA; Representative of the European Union, the United States, Japan, Brazil, Colombia, Turkey, Switzerland, Sweden, Nicaragua, Russian Federation, Chile, Peru, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Costa Rica
Location: Conference Room 1, United Nations Headquarters, New York
Date: 30 July 2014
Written By WIT Representative: Samantha Kong
Edited By: Marli Kasdan

Second International Conference on Nutrition

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health_captionThe joint FAO/WHO Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2) will be held at the FAO headquarteron 19th-21st November, 2014. A briefing was convened today to inform distinguished guests on the key objectives and expected outcomes.

Ms. Nishida mentioned the 1992 ICN as the first intergovernmental conferencedevoted solely to addressing the burden of malnutrition among countries. She acknowledged the first conference had brought hope in combating the global nutrition challenge, yet it is high time for ICN2 to review the past progress since reductions in hunger and malnutrition have been unacceptably slow in many countries. She summarized three key messages that will be echoed repetitively in ICN2: i) the necessity to increase nutrition levels, ii) good nutrition requires equitable and resilient food systems and iii) global action to end all forms of malnutrition is a good investment.

The expected outcomes of the ICN2 will guide the UN political declaration and technical framework of action. It will also reinvigorate international and intergovernmental cooperation on nutrition, incorporate nutrition-enhancing food systems into national policies and create a higher degree of policy coherence and global partnership, including the call to take up the “Zero Hunger Challenge”.

She mentionedthat the joint working group is currently developing a draft political outcome document as well as a draft framework for action, which guides the implementation of the commitment made to create better food systems.

Ms. Lartey stated that the conference will be convened at the ministerial level with high-level representatives, UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations, and policy-makers, as well as with private sector and civil society members participating in this conference. She noted ICN2 will not be an end in itself, but rather a continued process in the pursuit of having sustainable and wholesome nutrition in the global economy and global food system. At the end, she stressed the importance of addressing nutrition throughout the entire life cycle.

 

Meeting Title: Joint briefing on “The Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2)”
Speakers: Ms. Sharon Brennen-Haylock, Director, FAO Liaison Office in New York; Ms. Chizuru Nishida, Coordinator, WHO Department of Nutrition for Health; Ms. Anna Lartey, Director, FAO Nutrition Division
Date: 11 July 2014
Location: Conference Room 8, North Lawn Building, United Nations HQ, New York
Written By WIT Representative: Tracy Lau
Edited By WIT Representative: Marli Kasdan

Non Communicable Diseases Country Profiles

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ncd-profiles130 Today, at the launch of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Non Communicable Disease Country Profiles (NCDs) 2014, Dr. Margaret Chan delivered an opening remark paying tribute to all countries for their determination to control NCDs, and adopted the 2011 UN Political Declaration. She released the NCD Country Profiles 2014, which provides an updated overview of the NCD situation in 194 countries. The report illustrated that while many countries have started to align their policies and resources with the WHO Global NCD Action Plan 2013-2020, progress in countries has been insufficient and highly uneven, with the risk factors of tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol doubling from 2011 to 2013. Dr. Chan called for bolder and more urgent action to accelerate efforts to address NCDs. Furthermore, she addressed obese children as “warning signals” as they signify a future of chronically ill adults, and unbearable financial burdens on healthcare services.

Following, Dr. Natsag spoke about the introduction of an early cancer detection programme in her country, Mongolia. She further highlighted that there is almost 100% full primary health care coverage for the people of Mongolia.

Next, Dr. Oyarzun talked about the recently enacted laws in Chile on prohibiting the use of tobacco in specific open spaces, against driving under the influence of alcohol, and laws on monitoring the fast food market to address obesity. He claimed the laws against drinking and driving were fairly successful. Yet, he saw room for improvement concerning tobacco consumption, and he urged for the transformation of social norms.

Dr. Sahlawi spoke about the free health services in Kuwait, where the life expectancy of the population has reached 75 years. He addressed NCDs as not merely a health problem, but rather a multi-sectoral issue. It requires the involvement from ministries of health, finance and education.

Dr. Freeman talked about the importance in striking a balance between communicable and non-communicable disease prevention. He mentioned the regulations on salty foods in South Africa, and the role of media in health-education campaigns. Furthermore, approximately 330,000 girls have benefited from the recently introduced HPV vaccine in South Africa.

 

Meeting Title:Launch of the “World Health Organization Non Communicable Disease Country Profiles 2014”
Speakers: Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of WHO, Ms. Natsag Udval, Deputy Minister for Health of Mongolia; Dr. Jamie Burrows Oyarzun, Chile’s Under Secretary of Public Health; Dr. Khaled Al Sahlawi, The Under Secretary Health Minister of Kuwait; Professor Melvin Freeman, Ministry of Health in South Africa; Dr. Johan Carlson, Director-General of the Swedish Public Health Agency
Location: Trusteeship Council, United Nations HQ, New York
Date: 10 July 2014
Written by WIT Representative: Tracy Lau
Edited By WIT Representative: Marli Kasdan