WORLD HEALTH
ORGANIZATION
Background Guide PGMUN’24
Contents
1. Letter from the Executive Board
2. Rules of Procedure and Nature of Proof
3. Introduction to the United Nations and
the gist of Foreign Policy
4. Introduction to the World Health
Organisation (WHO) and its Mandate
5. An overview of the agenda
6. Current state of Mental Health globally
7. Challenges in prioritising Mental Health
8. International frameworks and agreements
9. Questions to Consider
10. Resources and Links
Letter from the Executive Board
It is with our utmost pleasure and deepest gratitude that we are here to
serve as your Executive Board for the World Health Organization at
Phoenix Greens Model United Nations 2024.
This guide is made to ensure that you get off on the right foot. It will
provide you with a comprehensive way to start your research. Go through
every section thoroughly; even if you are aware of simple things like the
rules of procedure, nature of proof, the WHO mandate etc.
The 10th section is especially important. We look forward to seeing all
these questions being actually considered, and answered, during debate
and in resolutions. These questions are tailor-made to point you towards a
productive debating experience.
Your research must only begin with this background guide, please do not
end it here. Good research goes a long way. Most importantly, this guide is
merely for research, do not quote from this guide.
For those of you who are first-timers, we hope to set the bar high as your
first MUN and hopefully teach you as much as we can. If you are an
experienced delegate, we look forward to adding yet another influential
experience to your belt.
We will try our best to be there to clarify any doubts before the
conference, however, we recommend querying us to be a last resort and
not a first option.
Looking forward to meeting you all. All the best!
The Executive Board of World Health Organization at PGMUN 2024
Chair: Amritha Palissery amritharavindra2007@[Link], 99955 56298
Vice Chair: Deshna Varma deshnatvarma@[Link], 80109 56621
Rapporteur: Adiba Khan itsadiba14@[Link] 91001 06012
Rules of Procedure (ROP)
The committee will follow the UNA-USA ROP. Procedural rules are set to ensure an effective,
productive and organised debate. Although the Executive Board shall be fairly strict with the Rules
of Procedure, the discussion of the agenda will be the main priority. So, delegates are advised not to
restrict their statements due to hesitation regarding procedure. However, maintaining decorum is
essential at all times.
The UNA-USA Rules of Procedure:
1. Roll Call: At the beginning of each session, the Chair calls roll to ensure quorum. Delegates must
respond with "present" or "present and voting."
2. Setting the Agenda for Debate (refer to 5): Delegates propose topics for discussion. The agenda is
set based on a majority vote.
3. General Speakers’ List: A list is established for delegates wishing to speak on the agenda item.
Delegates can be added by raising their placards or sending a note to the Chair.
4. Speeches and Time Limits: Delegates make speeches according to the speakers' list. Time limits
for speeches are set by the Chair and can be adjusted by a motion.
5. Moderated Caucus: A structured debate where delegates speak for a short, set period on specific
aspects of the agenda. The moderated caucus requires a motion and a majority vote.
6. Unmoderated Caucus: An informal session where delegates can move around, lobby and draft
resolutions. It also requires a motion and majority approval.
7. Points and Motions: Delegates can raise points (e.g., Point of Order, Point of Personal Privilege,
Point of Inquiry) and motions (e.g., Motion to Adjourn, Motion to Table Debate, Motion for a
Moderated Caucus) to manage the flow of debate. These must be recognized by the Chair.
8. Draft Resolutions: Delegates draft resolutions, which must be sponsored and signed by a
minimum number of delegates. Draft resolutions are debated and amended before being put to a
vote.
9. Amendments: Proposed changes to draft resolutions. Friendly amendments (accepted by all
sponsors) are automatically included, while unfriendly amendments require debate and a majority
vote.
10. Voting Procedures: For substantive matters like resolutions and amendments, each member
state has one vote. Most decisions require a simple majority, but critical issues might require a two-
thirds majority. Voting is usually conducted by a show of placards or a roll call vote.
11. Closure of Debate: A motion to close debate on an agenda item or resolution can be made. If
passed by a two-thirds majority, the committee moves directly to voting.
12. Adjournment: At the end of the conference, a motion to adjourn the meeting is made. It requires
a simple majority vote to pass.
Source or Nature of Proof
Every word that a delegate says in committee must have
some statistical or real world validity. These are the
sources which are acceptable in committee:
Reuters
State Owned News Agencies: These reports can be used
in the support of or against the State that owns the News
Agency. These reports, if credible or substantial enough,
can be used in support of or against any Country as such
but in that situation, they can be denied by any other
country in the council. Please note that Xinhua (The
Chinese government news agency) and the RIA Novosti
(Russian Federation) are not considered as credible
resources by the UN.
Government Reports; including facts from
official govt websites,
ministry of foreign affairs websites,
permanent representatives to UN reports,
multilateral organisations like NATO, OPEC etc.
UN and WHO reports
NOTE:
Sources such as Wikipedia or newspapers like The Guardian and Times
of India will not be accepted under any circumstances. However,
despite these criteria for acceptable sources and evidence, delegates
are free to quote or cite from any source they consider appropriate in
their statements.
Introduction to the United Nations
The United Nations (UN) was formed on October
24, 1945 as a global organisation devoted to
protecting humanity against war, promoting good
relations between states, fostering social progress,
better living standards and the respect for human
rights. It is located in New York City with 193
member states being governed by six main organs:
General Assembly,
Security Council,
Economic and Social Council,
International Court of Justice (ICJ),
Secretariat
Trusteeship Council.
The work of the UN covers numerous areas such as
humanitarian aid, conflict resolution in addition to
sustainable development and climate change. By
encouraging cooperation among nations, it acts as
an avenue for dialogue. It is a forum which
strengthens global integration and reminds us of
the stark reality that is the common fate of all
humanity, no matter which borders we confine
ourselves in.
The gist of Foreign Policy
What is foreign policy?
In simple terms, a country’s foreign policy is what it aims
to achieve in regards to the agenda at hand. It includes
what schemes the country wants to implement as well as
the relations it maintains with other nations.
What role does foreign policy play in this committee?
In the World Health Organization, oftentimes, relations
with other nations do not have as much importance as it
does in, say, the Security Council. However, mental
health remains to be quite controversial at a global stage.
Do thorough research on what your country’s stance has
been on national and international levels regarding this
topic.
How do I know what my foreign policy is?
Foreign policy is almost never stated explicitly. To figure
out a country’s stance, we have to go into the depths of
speeches, policies and bills that governments have made
or enacted. Look up where your national government
stands in the mental health conversation.
The World Health Organization
(WHO)
Established on 7th April 1948, the World Health
Organization (WHO) is a specialised agency of the
United Nations with its primary focus on global
public health.
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, WHO has
as its mission to promote health, keep the world
safe and serve vulnerable groups by
coordinating international responses to health
problems and formulating policies. It is
instrumental in fighting communicable diseases
such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and COVID-19 through
research initiatives on vaccines and treatment
among others.
Additionally, the organisation addresses issues
like mental health, non-communicable diseases,
environmental health and strengthening of
healthcare systems.
WHO sets global health standards for countries
to follow; it also provides technical assistance to
countries while monitoring trends in health.
The WHO mandate
1. Promoting Health: WHO advocates for health and well-
being for all people at all ages by fostering healthy
environments, promoting healthy lifestyles, and
addressing social determinants of health.
2. Keeping the World Safe: WHO leads global efforts to
prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies,
including infectious disease outbreaks and natural
disasters, to protect populations and maintain
international security.
3. Serving the Vulnerable: WHO strives to ensure equitable
access to essential health services, particularly for
vulnerable and underserved populations, aiming to reduce
health disparities and promote social justice.
4. Setting Norms and Standards: WHO establishes
international health standards and guidelines, providing
countries with evidence-based recommendations to
improve health policies and practices.
5. Research and Information Dissemination: WHO
conducts health research, gathers global health data, and
disseminates information to inform policy-making and
health strategies.
6. Capacity Building: WHO supports countries in
strengthening their health systems, enhancing their
capacity to provide quality health care, and implementing
effective public health programs.
Introduction to the Agenda
Mental health and well-being are critical components
of overall health, yet they are often neglected or
stigmatised. The global burden of mental health issues
is substantial, affecting millions of people worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one
in four people will be affected by a mental or
neurological disorder at some point in their lives.
Mental health conditions include a wide range of
disorders, such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia,
and bipolar disorder, among others. These
illnesses/disorders have profound effects on
individuals' quality of life, their ability to work, and
their social relationships. They also have significant
economic implications due to healthcare costs and loss
of productivity.
Mental health and well-being are vital for individual
and societal prosperity. Good mental health enhances
quality of life, physical health, productivity,
relationships, and educational success, while poor
mental health can lead to significant personal and
economic burdens. A bad mental health can also cause
loss of valuable opportunities, successful relationships
and most importantly the right to a good life. This only
makes it more important to prioritise Mental health in
the eyes of the world and to find appropriate solutions.
Impact of social media on mental health
Social media significantly impacts mental health, both
positively and negatively. On the positive side, it provides
a platform for social connection, support networks, and
access to mental health resources. However, excessive
use can lead to negative outcomes such as anxiety,
depression, and low self-esteem. Studies indicate that
heavy social media users are 2.7 times more likely to
develop depression than those who use it less frequently.
Additionally, 60% of adolescents report feeling sad or
depressed due to cyberbullying and social comparison.
Balancing social media use and fostering healthy online
habits are essential for mitigating its various effects on
mental health.
Impact of crises and emergencies on mental health
When it comes to providing aid for mental health, no one
deserves it more than those who have gone through some of the
most traumatic experiences of their life - such as those who have
suffered through crises or horrible emergencies. These events
can lead to widespread anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions. For
instance, studies have shown that up to 30% of people affected
by crises may develop PTSD. An example is the COVID-19
pandemic which significantly increased global rates of anxiety
and depression, with over 40% of adults reporting adverse
mental health conditions. Disruption of daily routines, loss of
livelihoods, social isolation, and exposure to traumatic events
exacerbate mental health issues. Addressing mental health during
crises is crucial, requiring immediate psychological support and
long-term mental health care integration.
Relation between mental health and education
Mental Health and education come hand in hand. A child's capability
to learn and process information gets gravely hindered if he or she is
facing a severe mental illness. Poor mental health can impair academic
performance, increase absenteeism, and lead to higher dropout rates;
studies show that students with significant mental health issues are
twice as likely to drop out of school. Conversely, education enhances
mental well-being by providing knowledge, coping skills, and a sense
of purpose. School-based mental health programs have been shown
to improve academic performance by 11% on average. Addedly,
students when succumb to school or parental pressure and stress, at
times may develop severe depression, anxiety or other mental
disorders. Hence it is important to maintain a balance between school
and personal life. Addressing mental health within educational
settings is crucial for both academic success and personal
development.
Challenges in prioritizing mental health
Mental health problems are common, affecting thousands of us.
Despite this, there is still a strong stigma (negative attitude) around
mental health. People with mental health problems can also experience
discrimination (negative treatment) in all aspects of their lives.
Why are people with mental health problems discriminated against?
Discrimination against individuals with mental health conditions arises
from various factors, including:
Stereotypes: Society often holds stereotyped views about mental
health. Some people mistakenly believe that individuals with mental
health issues are dangerous, although they are more likely to be victims
of violence or self-harm than to harm others.
Media Influence: Media reports frequently associate mental health
issues with violence or depict individuals with mental health problems
as dangerous, criminal, evil, or severely disabled, contributing to the
stigma and misconceptions that they cannot lead normal, fulfilling
lives.
Lack of funding
Raising awareness about mental health issues is just the beginning of
addressing them. Despite this awareness, society fails to provide
adequate funding for mental health research, resources to alleviate
shortages in inpatient beds, sufficient compensation for healthcare
providers, infrastructure development, and coverage for patients'
medical costs. Awareness alone is not enough; proper funding and
support for mental health care are essential.
In 2020, over one-fifth of U.S. adults (nearly 53 million people)
experienced mental illness, with 5.6% (more than 14 million people)
suffering from serious mental illness. In 2021, 47,646 people in the U.S.
died by suicide, an increase from 45,979 in 2020. Experts had hoped
that suicide rates peaked in 2018 after a steady rise from 2000 to
2018, with slight declines in 2019 and 2020. However, the 4% increase
in 2021 indicates that the previous decrease was temporary.
Insufficient healthcare infrastructure
The number of people seeking mental health services is rising, driven
by factors like the current pandemic and increased awareness efforts.
However, this surge in demand has outstripped the capacity of the
existing mental health system.
Despite efforts to encourage people to seek help, many still face
obstacles in accessing treatment. While 75% of people agree that
mental and physical health are equally important, a similar percentage
report that mental health services remain inaccessible.
Key barriers to accessible mental health care include social stigma,
high costs, public ignorance, and lengthy administrative processes.
Addressing these issues requires collaboration between mental health
care facilities, the government, and relevant organisations.
Surveys indicate that stigma around mental health is gradually
decreasing, particularly among younger generations, who often use
humour and memes to discuss their mental health experiences openly.
To meet the growing demand, better training for healthcare workers
and the construction of more facilities are essential. This would
increase the availability of services and reduce wait times for
treatment.
Additionally, hospitals and clinics should invest in research and
continuously develop plans to evaluate and improve their
infrastructure. Collaboration among mental healthcare institutions can
help achieve the common goal of providing better and more accessible
services for everyone.
Cultural barriers
Cultural differences pose significant challenges to effective mental
health treatment. These barriers can lead to confusion,
misunderstanding, and frustration between providers and patients. A
lack of cultural understanding and diversity in mental health care can
result in misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment plans, and may also
discourage individuals from seeking treatment or feeling fully
understood by professionals.
Examples of Cultural Barriers
Different Understandings of Illness and Health: Varied cultural beliefs
about the nature of illness and health influence whether individuals
seek treatment, how they manage their symptoms, and the nature of
their support systems. For instance, some cultures may attribute
mental illness to supernatural causes like black magic, spirits, karma,
breaking taboos, or the evil eye.
Lack of Diversity in the Mental Health Workforce: A workforce that
does not reflect the cultural diversity of the patient population can
contribute to miscommunication and a lack of trust.
Mistrust or Fear of Treatment: Cultural mistrust or fear of mental
health services can deter individuals from seeking help.
Language Barriers and Ineffective Communication: Language
differences and poor communication can hinder accurate diagnosis
and treatment.
Practical Issues: Transportation and childcare challenges can also
prevent individuals from accessing mental health services.
These cultural barriers need to be addressed to ensure that mental
health treatment is effective and accessible to all individuals,
regardless of their cultural background.
Socioeconomic factors
Socioeconomic factors play a crucial role in prioritising mental health,
as they influence access to care and outcomes. Individuals with lower
socioeconomic status (SES) are more likely to experience mental
health issues due to factors such as financial stress, unemployment,
and limited access to healthcare services. Research indicates that
socioeconomic disparities impact mental health significantly, with
those from disadvantaged backgrounds facing higher rates of
depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Addressing these
disparities requires policies that focus on equity, including increased
funding for mental health services in underserved communities and
initiatives to reduce socioeconomic barriers to care.
Political and policy issues
Prioritising mental health in political and policy agendas is critical
given the significant impact of mental disorders globally. Around 450
million people suffer from mental health conditions worldwide,
making it a leading cause of disability. Despite this, many countries
allocate less than 2% of their health budgets to mental health,
exacerbating disparities in care. Addressing these challenges requires
increased funding, stigma reduction efforts, and integration into
primary healthcare systems to improve access and outcomes for
affected individuals.
Current state of mental health in the world
Each year, millions of citizens exhibit symptoms of mental health
conditions, with an increasing number seeking treatment. A mental
health diagnosis can affect not only the individual's daily life but also
have broader implications for families, communities, and the
economy.
Current state of mental health in the world
Each year, millions of citizens exhibit symptoms of mental health
conditions, with an increasing number seeking treatment. A mental
health diagnosis can affect not only the individual's daily life but also
have broader implications for families, communities, and the
economy.
Prevalence of Mental Health Issues
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an uptick in diagnoses of
depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, according to Angeleena
Francis, a licensed mental health counselor and executive director at
AMFM Healthcare in Seattle. This rise in mental health diagnoses to
the reduction of stigma surrounding mental health treatment and the
increased accessibility of services.
Mental Health Statistics
United States: In 2022, 23.1% of U.S. adults, which equates to 59.3
million people, experienced a mental health condition.
Global Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant
increase in anxiety and depressive disorders worldwide. The number
of individuals with depressive symptoms increased from
approximately 193 million to 246 million, a 28% rise. Anxiety disorders
saw an increase from 298 million to 374 million people, a 25% rise.
A rapid review identified ten guiding principles for creating
developmentally-appropriate online mental health content.
Experts ranked these principles and discussed key considerations
for their implementation during a roundtable. The principles
include emotional relevance, practical advice, cognitive fit,
relatable language, diversity and inclusivity, real-life stories, visual
engagement, evidence-based clarity, accessibility, and adherence
to human rights standards
Key Insights for Implementing Guiding
Principles
The roundtable meeting highlighted several important
considerations for defining and applying the guiding
principles.
Diverse Developmental Needs: Children and adolescents
have varied neurocognitive and developmental profiles, yet
many content producers and digital platforms treat them
uniformly.
Evidence Gaps: There is a shortage of evidence concerning
younger age groups, lower-income settings, and
developmentally staged information.
Adaptability: The principles must be regularly updated to
reflect the rapidly changing digital environment and the
evolving needs of young people.
Integrated Care: Digital platforms should be part of a
broader, integrated mental health care system to be truly
effective. This includes content that promotes help-seeking
behaviour and connects online and offline support services.
Harm Prevention and Stigma Reduction: Content should
avoid harmful narratives and aim to reduce stigma.
Inclusivity and Rights: Content should consider diverse
backgrounds and experiences, align with human rights
conventions, and be based on scientific research.
Youth Involvement: Young people should be actively
involved in the design of content creation.
WHO Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020:
The WHO developed this action plan to provide a
roadmap for countries to improve mental health services
and promote mental well-being. It focuses on:
integrating mental health into primary care,
enhancing mental health International frameworks and
agreements
governance, and
strengthening information systems.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Mental
Health:
The SDGs, adopted by all United Nations Member States
in 2015, include a target (SDG 3.4) to promote mental
health and well-being and provide access to quality,
essential health services for all. This global commitment
highlights the importance of mental health within the
broader development agenda.
United Nations Conventions and Declarations Relevant
to Mental Health:
Various UN conventions and declarations emphasise the
rights of persons with mental health conditions and
advocate for their inclusion and protection. For example,
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
(CRPD) and
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Questions to Consider
What objectives are to be achieved in promoting mental
health globally?
How can global health frameworks and emergency response
systems integrate mental health support during crises (e.g.,
pandemics, natural disasters)?
How can international collaboration between governments,
NGOs, private sector, and academia be strengthened?
What funding mechanisms are necessary to support mental
health services globally?
How can education systems globally promote mental health
literacy, reduce stigma and awareness?
How can mental health services be integrated into primary
health care systems?
What role should technology play in the future of mental
health care?
Sample of Position Paper
NOTE:the following is merely a sample for
reference, DO NOT COPY.
