Topic: Rise of Antibiotic Resistant Pathogens
Country: Brazil
Delegate Name: Kate Kelley
School: Royal Oak High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Brazil position papers GLIMUN 2010 committees
It has been years since the globe faced a disease virulent and deadly enough to truly be called a pandemic. Scares like SARS and H1N1 have only underscored the lack of education and preparedness that all countries face. The potential emergence or reemergence of a major plague is a pressing issue, which must be addressed from a variety of perspectives.
Preventing the development of these diseases is the issue easiest to address and most in need of attention. Areas where highly concentrated animas interact with humans, and vice versa, are the breeding ground of super-diseases. In cities across the globe, interaction between animals and people must be reduced wherever possible. Factory farms, popular nations like the US, are a major issue – animals are packed close together, near people, and are fed super-therapeutic antibiotics to increase meat yielded. While highly profitable, the use and spread of this type of farming must be stopped. Nations like Argentina and Brazil continue to grass feed cattle on open ranges, producing some of the healthiest beef in the world. It is time for other nations to follow suit.
Overuse of antibiotics in general is a major issue in the developed world. While citizens of African nations suffer without even basic medical care, billions of dollars are spent on antibiotics prescribed without cause, to treat illnesses for which they are unnecessary. By regulating the distribution of antibiotics, nations can help reduce their abuse, ultimately protecting citizen’s lives.
Development of a system for managing pandemics is also vital. Such a system must incorporate every nation, with donations of expertise and funding essential to such a program's success. Brazil will support resolutions that address long-term issues of infrastructure such as this.
Commitment from developed and developing nations, specific actions to reduce the likelihood of a pandemic, and systems for managing such an outbreak will all be features of a successful, Brazilian backed resolution from this committee.
