2024 UNC AMWHO Regional Conference

what is amwho?

AMWHO is an authentic simulation of the World Health Assembly, the sole decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO). At the AMWHO International Conference, graduate and undergraduate participants will assume the roles of WHO ambassadors, non-governmental organization members, media correspondents, or industry representatives.

Participants will engage in debates and discussion surrounding our theme for this year: Rectifying Historical and Contemporary Prejudices and Oppressions Undermining Global Health. Through collaboration, students will craft approaches to address our world’s pressing public health challenges and draft a final resolution to send to the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.

Throughout the weekend, students will have access to renowned professors from the Gillings School of Global Public Health and public health professionals from the Triangle. Students will hear from and talk to these guest speakers at the opening ceremonies and the Lunch and Learn event.

What is model-who?

concept

Model-WHO is a conference simulation of the World Health Assembly (WHA), the annual global health policy making forum of the World Health Organization (WHO). Students who register for AMWHO conferences are assigned either a WHO Ambassador, NGO Representative, Pharmaceutical Company, or Media Correspondent position, and must represent their role accurately throughout the course of the three-day conference weekend.

Delegates are split into five regional blocks: African Region (AFRO), Americas Region (AMRO), Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO), European Region (EURO), and Western Pacific & Southeast Asian Region (WPRO/SEARO). Prior to the conference, delegates research their position’s stance on the global health policy theme, and create resolutions with fellow participants. On the last day, all regions convene to debate their completed resolutions, emulating the true simulation of the WHA.
WHO AMBASSADORS

A WHO Ambassador is an individual representing a diplomat to one of the 193 Member States to the World Health Organization. Ambassadors have full voting rights within the conference, with a sole goal to pursue their nation’s health interests in the Assembly. These delegates are expected to conduct detailed, in-depth research prior to the conference on their nation’s position with respect to the conference theme, their allies and enemies, and how their nation would react to different proposals. Their main objective is to use the skills of negotiation and diplomacy to create sound, realistic, and effective resolutions with fellow delegates, who very well may hold differing opinions.
NGO Representatives

Delegates representing an NGO must embody the ideals, motives, and objectives of their organization. As an NGO Representative, they will receive a personalized schedule during the conference that allows them to rotate among all regional rooms, and debate with any WHO Ambassador. They must understand all resolutions being formed, with a primary focus in ensuring that each policy holds the ideals of their organization. Ultimately, these delegates provide seals of approval, or written acceptances of a resolution, before all resolutions head to the final plenary. They do not have voting rights, but are able to formally debate.
media correspondents

Media Correspondents are non-voting delegates that hold a unique role in the AMWHO International Conference. They perform research prior to the conference on their company views and biases around the conference theme, but their primary objective is to capture the news and highlights of the conference through video and blog form. They aim to provide news in the same journalistic manner of the company that they represent. Thus, these delegates must be well-versed in how to provide the news in respectful, but accurate way. Media Correspondents will receive assistance in capturing stories, conducting interviews with the voting and non-voting delegates, and presenting the exciting and often controversial happenings in other regional blocks.
industry representatives

Industry Representatives, also non-voting delegates, represent their industries in varied ways as it relates to the conference theme. Still, these players are critical to achieving partnerships with WHO Ambassadors, NGO Representatives, and Pharmaceutical Companies, and thus delegates must be well-researched on their company and its core values as it relates to the theme.

Source: https://www.amwho.org/about-us.php

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Use the link above to register for the 2024 UNC AMWHO Conference through Eventzilla!

directors' Letter

Dear Delegates and Colleagues,

Welcome to the 2024 UNC American Mock World Health Organization (AMWHO) International Conference, taking place from April 5th-7th, 2024! As the founders of AMWHO, our university has had the opportunity to host several international, regional, and summit conferences. Over the last few years, we have learned the importance of global health governance in protecting population health and facilitating global cooperation to prevent future disasters. Now, we are so pleased and honored to invite you back in person, and we remain inspired by your dedication and passion to build a better future for public health. Our hope is that this conference will offer you a platform for you to engage with multifaceted and interdisciplinary public health issues and work alongside others to develop innovative policy solutions.

As Executive Co-Directors of the conference, we are excited for you to join us in this unique conference experience, modeled after the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. Our goal is to create an experience where delegates can explore the complexities of the social, cultural, political, and economic determinants of health, all while collaborating with key stakeholders and interest groups. To account for diverse perspectives that influence global health issues, delegates may represent either a member state, media organization, non-governmental organization, or private corporation. Delegates will also get the opportunity to interact with passionate peers and learn from distinguished speakers, who will engage delegates in thoughtful discussions rooted in their public health expertise. Through these interactions, we hope that you will gain knowledge and skills crucial to becoming a global health leader, allowing you to analyze public health issues through a holistic lens and address these issues through effective policy.

The theme for the 2024 UNC AMWHO International Conference is Rectifying Historical and Contemporary Prejudices and Oppressions Undermining Global Health. There is a critical need to address historical and current events that have led to inequities and poor health outcomes among groups in every nation. We hope that through respectful and sensitive conversation and debate regarding colonialism and imperialism, racism in healthcare, ethnic persecution and health, gender/sexual/queer violence, migrant health, and religious persecution, we will foster multisectoral and sustainable solutions.

Lastly, we would like to acknowledge all the hard work that has been put into this conference by the 2023-2024 UNC AMWHO Executive Board and Conference Board: without their dedication over the past several months, none of this would have been possible. We would also like to thank all of you for your commitment to and passion for advancing global public health solutions. We look forward to welcoming you to the 2024 UNC AMWHO International Conference!

Sincerely,

Bhaumi Shah and Viha Patel
Conference Co-Directors
2024 UNC AMWHO International Conference

Bhaumi Shah
Conference
Co-Director

Viha Patel
Conference
Co-Director

theme introduction

The theme brief gives delegates an overview of the global health challenge that will be discussed and debated over the course of the conference. It includes sub-themes that break-down the intricacies of the problem and provides case studies that describe how countries in different regions of the world have been affected. Delegates may use the theme brief as a resource to write their position paper.

SUBTHEME 1: EFFECTS OF COLONIALISM AND IMPERIALISM ON HEALTH

Case Study: Shadows of Colonialism in Haiti; Impacts on Treating Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDs
Case Study: Ebola Tied to Colonialism in West Africa

SUBTHEME 2: RACISM IN HEALTHCARE

Case Study : Black Maternal Mortality: Exploring the Shadows of Gynecological Experimentation and Influence over Contemporary Black Maternal Health
Case Study: Race-based Physiological Myths Contribute to Implicit Bias, Worsening Global Health Outcomes

SUBTHEME 3: ETHNIC PERSECUTION AND HEALTH

Case Study: Romani Ethnic Persecution, Links to Chronic Illness and Mental Health Disparities
Case Study: Uyghur Persecution Effects on Health

SUBTHEME 4: GENDER, SEXUAL, AND QUEER VIOLENCE

Case Study: Prevalence of Gender-Based, Queer Violence and Femicide in Latin America
Case Study: Female Genital Mutilation

SUBTHEME 5: MIGRANT HEALTH AND RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION

Case Study: Differential Treatment Between Refugee Populations and Healthcare Distribution in Light of Russo-Ukranian War
Case Study: Inadequacies of Unequal Palestinian Healthcare

POSITION PAPERS ARE DUE APRIL 4TH, 2024!
CHECK DELEGATE HUB FOR SUBMISSION GUIDELINES AND EXAMPLES!

conference schedule

Friday, April 5th

11:00 - 12:00 PM: Delegate Check-In
12:00 - 1:30 PM: Opening Ceremony
1:30 - 1:45 PM: Break
1:45 - 3:15 PM: Committee Session 1
3:15 - 3:45 PM: Break
3:45 - 4:45 PM: Press Conference and NGO Presentations
4:45 - 5:00 PM: Break
5:00 - 5:45 PM: "AMWHO Through the Years" Event
5:45 - 7:00 PM: Banquet

Saturday, April 6th

8:00 - 8:50 AM: Check-In and Breakfast
8:50 - 9:15 AM: Break
9:15 - 11:00 AM: Committee Session 2
11:00 - 11:15 AM: Break
11:15 - 12:45 PM: Lunch and Learn
12:45 - 2:45 PM: Committee Session 3
2:45 - 3:15 PM: Break
3:15 - 4:00 PM: Press Conference
4:00 - 6:00 PM: Committee Session 4

Sunday, April 7th

8:00 - 9:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 - 11:00 AM: Plenary Session 1
11:00 - 12:00 PM: Lunch
12:00 - 2:00 PM: Plenary Session 2
2:00 - 2:30 PM: Break
2:30 - 3:30 PM: Closing Ceremonies

GUEST SPEAKERS

Opening Ceremony Keynote Speaker

Susan C. Kim, JD, MPH, MBA

Susan C. Kim, JD, MPH, MBA was appointed Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (PDAS) of the Office of Global Affairs (OGA) in April 2023. In this role, she oversees the office’s day-to-day operations and works with the Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs with policy development covering the full range of global health and diplomatic activities to fulfill OGA’s mission, ensure compliance with program policies, and consistency in program administration.

Lunch and Learn speakers

Brianna Clarke-Schwelm, MPH

Brianna Clarke-Schwelm, MPH is the Executive Director of the North Carolina Global Health Alliance (NCGHA), a member organization committed to elevating North Carolina as a center of global health. In her role at the NCGHA, Brianna focuses on lifting up and strengthening the state’s global health community through four primary pillars: investing in the next generation of global health leaders, sharing information and best practices, facilitating new partnerships, and advocating on behalf of North Carolina’s global health community.

Aunchalee Palmquist, PhD, MA, IBCLC

Aunchalee Palmquist, PhD, MA, IBCLC is an Associate Professor of the Practice of Global Health and Cultural Anthropology at Duke University. She holds a PhD in Medical Anthropology from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

Jane Perkins, J.D., M.P.H.

Jane Perkins, J.D., M.P.H., is the Litigation Director at the National Health Law Program (NHeLP), a public interest law firm working to ensure health equity and to protect and advance the legal and health rights of low-income and under-served people. From 1990-June 2023, she served as NHeLP’s legal director, managing the Program’s legal and policy missions. Ms. Perkins currently manages NHeLP’s litigation docket and litigates cases in state and federal courts.

Jean Davison, DNP, FNP-BC

Jean Davison, DNP, FNP-BC is a Clinical Associate Professor at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Nursing teaching DNP and MSN courses including Enhanced Role RN Physical Assessment of Adults and STD Training and is the Medical Director of the UNC School of Nursing Mobile Health Clinic. She was selected as the 2021 NLN Isabel Hampton Robb Award recipient for Outstanding Leadership in Clinical Practice. She completed her MSN/FNP education in 2000 at UNC-Chapel Hill and her DNP at Duke University in 2012. As a Family Nurse Practitioner, she has practiced in federal qualified community health centers, providing access to care for all since 2000 and is the National Health Service Corps Ambassador to UNC.

Leah Frerichs, PhD

Leah Frerichs, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Associate Director of the Center for Health Equity Research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Frerichs is an expert in research focused on the intersection of community-based participatory research and systems science to address health inequities. Her work has spanned practice and research with an overarching goal to develop, implement, and evaluate programs and policies that are grounded in community needs and values. She has worked with a diverse range of communities on a multitude of topics including adolescent health, cancer screening, cardiovascular disease prevention, substance abuse, and mental health.

Gavin Yamey, MD, MPH, MA

Gavin Yamey, MD, MPH, MA is the Director of the Center for Policy Impact in Global Health based in DGHI. The Center is an innovative policy lab that addresses critical challenges in financing and delivering global health. He is the Hymowitz Professor of the Practice of Global Health at DGHI and a Professor of the Practice of Public Policy in the Duke Sanford School of Public Policy. Dr Yamey is Associate Director for Policy at DGHI.

reviews, publications, & media

"Students said AMWHO had “revived [their] passion for diplomacy and advocacy,” and described the experience as one that “could not be found in a classroom” and “influential” for their future plans. 35 of 39 respondents (90%) rated the experience as “good” or better, and 38 of 39 (97%) would recommend AMWHO to a friend."

"AMWHO is a useful forum for students to improve their knowledge of global health issues, and sharpen their skills in diplomacy, communication, problem solving, and conflict resolution."

"The vast majority (98%) of respondents from the AMWHO 2014 conference indicated the conference as being "good" or "better", and 90% of respondents indicated they would recommend the conference to a friend... The American Mock World Health Organization fills a gap in global health policy education by providing students with the opportunity to develop skills essential to careers in global health governance."

"By encouraging students to network with current professionals, AMWHO facilitates collaboration and communication between passionate individuals working to make a difference. It is surreal to think that the friends I made over the three day conference can one day be colleagues, or the global health professionals I networked with could one day be mentors. Sitting in the conference, I envisioned the other students and myself one day becoming a part of the WHO in order to make meaningful change by helping those without health care access or affordability."

"Global health crises are unimaginably complex. In listening to and participating in discourse during AMWHO 2016, I was forced to consider interests beyond my own. I was reminded of the opening addresses by Dr. del Rio and Dr. Weiss. There are multitudes of stakeholders, each with their own, often conflicting interests. Resources are always limited and compliance is almost never guaranteed. Perhaps the greatest lesson I took away from AMWHO was how truly difficult it is to work in the field of global health. But having spent the weekend engaging with equally enthusiastic individuals and having passed a resolution together, I came away with a renewed sense of determination that solutions, while complex, are not beyond our reach."

"I think one of the problems with the undergraduate mindset is that we think we think we don’t have the tools to solve problems when we do," she said. "And I think events like this get undergraduates to realize that they can and will make a difference if they set their mind to it.”

faq

WHO CAN ATTEND?

AMWHO conferences are open to undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in public health, medicine, public policy, international relations, foreign diplomacy, and intergovernmental delegation. There is no required "major" or course of study that participants must have in order to attend an AMWHO conference. Students across the United States and abroad are invited to attend. A limited number of high school students will be able to apply to attend the conference at a later date (more information to come).

WHERE IS THE CONFERENCE BEING HELD?

The conference will be hosted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill at the School of Medicine (Roper Hall) and the Eshelman School of Pharmacy (Kerr Hall). For details regarding times and room assignments please check out our delegate guide under the Delegate Hub page.

WHICH ROLES CAN I CHOOSE FROM IN THIS CONFERENCE?

Delegates may choose to be WHO Ambassadors, NGO Representatives, Media Correspondents, and Industry Representatives. More information about these roles are included in the 'About AMWHO' section.

DO I HAVE TO BE IN AN AMWHO CHAPTER TO ATTEND?

If your university does not have an AMWHO chapter, you may register yourself as an individual participant.

HOW MUCH IS THE REGISTRATION FEE?

The fee for early registration for the 2024 UNC AMWHO Conference is $65 if registered between January 5th and January 31st, 2024. The fee for regular registration for the 2024 UNC AMWHO Conference $75 if registered between February 1st and March 9th, 2024. The fee for late registration for the 2024 UNC AMWHO Conference is $85 if registered between March 10th and March 29th, 2024.

Didn't answer your question? Please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

sponsorsHIP

The 2024 UNC AMWHO Executive Board would like to thank our 2024 AMWHO sponsors, without whom the 2024 AMWHO International Conference would not be possible. Please check back for updates on new 2024 sponsors.

For more information on how your academic institution or corporate organization can work with us, please email [email protected].