WHO Delegates Debate Over Shared Research to Prevent the Spread of Viral Diseases

CNN | 4:35 p.m. PT | Reporting by Brayden Chan

The World Health Organization started the topic of viral disease prevention with many delegates expressing their concerns on whether larger superpowers should provide help to developing countries. The discussion proved to be helpful, with many delegates agreeing to support one another, making it seem there will be an easy resolution.

Many other countries felt the need for providing research and care for others, and formed a bloc for the betterment of the World Health Organization. Their aim was to help limit viral diseases and make sure that countries reported outbreaks without fear of travel penalties or trade. Though, a few superpowers decided to keep to themselves.

Although many resolutions and compromises were made across the session, The United States of America and a few other large superpowers decided not to share their research to WHO and many other developing countries, even though it would save lives of others. “I want my country to succeed, and as we are protected, I do not feel the need to provide support for developing countries,” said the delegate of the United States of America.

The World Health Organization committee was split in two. Those who wanted to share their research and ideas for proper framework for protocols of viral disease outbreak, and those who wanted to keep to themselves and not support other developing nations, fearing their own healthcare system may be compromised due to the amount of support given out.

Clearly, the large superpowers who want to keep to themselves and the smaller countries who need and want to provide support will have to compromise in order to get a solution out of this topic. With many disagreements and high stakes, an easy compromise does not seem to be in order.