World Health Organization

The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that concerns itself with promoting the health of both the world and its people. With such broad coverage, the WHO advocates for universal health care so everyone can attain the highest standard of well-being. Originally founded in 1948, the WHO has played a hand in a multitude of major public health achievements, including the eradication of smallpox, the near eradication of Polio, and the development of an Ebola vaccine. WHO has the exclusive authority to declare global health emergencies, which it has used several times since given the power in 2007. The General Assembly will address two prominent issues in today’s health climate: the substandard rates of adolescent health and the commonality of foodborne diseases. As the numbers of adolescents expand to the record of approximately 1.2 billion, an average of 1.1 million adolescents die each year for a variety of reasons. WHO aims to ensure that countries’ adolescent health responses are evidence-based and take into account the values and inclinations of adolescents. Foodborne diseases generate illness in one out of every ten people each year, with over 200 diseases arising from consumption of contaminated food. Through their wide scope, these illnesses have a significant socioeconomic effect on health-care systems, trade, tourism, and heavily play a part in global rates of disease and mortality. WHO works diligently to prevent, locate, and control foodborne risks through an array of strategies.

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Chair
Calista Cleveland

Calista is a sophomore double-majoring in Accounting and Political Science with a minor in American Studies. Originally from Mobile, Alabama, she likes reading, writing, and baguettes. When she is not watching Seinfeld, she is vigorously battling it out in Just Dance 4. Calista is a member of Delta Gamma sorority and a writer for Alice magazine. She gives back to the community through the Humane Society of West Alabama, the Engage Tuscaloosa MathTastic program, and the Accounting LIFT program. She has never participated in ALMUN, but is extremely excited to chair the World Health Organization.