The WHO Committee’s Slow Start: A Snoozefest with Occasional Drama

The wonderfully slow committe of WHO got off to a sluggish start, with delegates coming onto the General Speakers’ List (GSL) with no reseach, regurgitating the same old lines. Most began with, “The delegate of [country] would like to express concern/sorrow for the people of Sudan.” Even the local 7-11 worker could have said the same—guess he should join the committee too. At least he might actually talk about restoring healthcare.

Amid the drowsiness, there were a few good speeches pushing the committee towards a resolution such as the delegate of China, Canada and Sudan.

Then came the real drama. The delegate of Japan took a jab at the United States, stating, “I feel like ever since Trump has taken over presidency, the U.S. has cut monetary aid to Sudan.” The real kicker? The U.S. delegate clapped back, shunning everyone in the process: “To the delegate of Japan: The U.S. has provided around $800 million more to Sudan than Japan.” The U.S. then urged other nations to contribute more aid, also suggesting the idea of the creation of a monetary fund? Apparently, they believe throwing money at a dead person will bring them back to life. The debate had many wondering whether they were in the IMF committee room instead. Maybe we should replace the WHO with 7-11 workers and let the WHO to replace IMF—since they themselves don’t seem sure if they're in the right committee.

Another aspect of debate was the supply of weapons to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the militant group occupying Sudan. The delegates from Nigeria and India were quick to accuse Russia and the UAE of arming the RSF—right after Russia proposed training and sending healthcare workers to Sudan. One might point out that those same healthcare workers are being killed by weapons supplied by their own countries. Ironic isn't it? Whilst this was going down, the delegate of UAE was too busy on his phone to do anything to defend his country.

Not quite sure why we were discussing weapons more than health. Maybe the WHO now thinks it’s DISEC.

More atrocities occured, one including the delegate of Mexico repeatedly saying “SUDEN” instead of “Sudan” multiple times, and the delegates of South Sudan and Sudan asking to go down on the GSL list. Till the WHO actually gets their learns pronunciations right and remembers which committee they’re actually in, this press delegate is signing off.

Humisha Halpert,

Xinhua News