Topic: 2025 – Vaccine Access and Distribution
Country: Slovenia
Delegate Name: Ava Chapman
Ava Chapman
Country: Slovenia
Committee: WHO
School: East Grand Rapids High School
Topic B: Vaccine Access and Distribution
Access to safe and effective vaccines is essential for protecting global health. According to the World Health Organization, globally in 2024, there were 14.3 million children missing out on any vaccination. Slovenia has a high-quality vaccination system and strong immunization rates, yet it still acknowledges the countries worldwide that continue to face significant gaps in vaccine supply, distribution, and staffing. These blemishes in the system leave millions of people without the disease protection they need and deserve. Opening vaccine access is a global responsibility and an opportunity for meaningful international cooperation.
Improving vaccine access begins with training a substantial number of healthcare professionals to administer them. Slovenia encourages countries to invest in training nurses, community health workers, and pharmacists. Programs supported by the WHO can help countries build a flexible workforce by implementing digital methods of training and regional partnerships with other corporations to fill temporary medical position shortages. Slovenia also believes that vulnerable populations must be prioritized in vaccine distribution. To do this, countries can rely on mobile medical teams, strong community partnerships, and clear communication efforts that meet people where they are. Groups at high risk, such as the elderly, the chronically ill, refugees, and those in remote areas, need extra support to ensure they are vaccinated safely and quickly. Improved data systems can give governments insight into which demographic groups still need vaccines, which will allow medical professionals to respond to outbreaks faster. Slovenia recognizes that transporting and storing vaccines poses a daunting task, particularly for vaccines that require incredibly low temperatures. Supply chains are also an area that requires improvements, such as investing in reliable cold-storage equipment, stable electricity, and temperature-monitoring technology. Slovenia supports international cooperation to develop affordable refrigeration solutions and to simplify customs and transportation procedures, allowing vaccines to move safely across borders.
Ultimately, Slovenia is committed to building a world where everyone has access to vaccines. Measurable steps that can be taken include strengthening the healthcare workforce, focusing on vulnerable communities, and improving storage and delivery systems. Countries can work together to create a safer and more resilient global health system.
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240052154?utm_
https://hlh.who.int/docs/librariesprovider4/hlh-documents/role-of-community-health-workers-in-covid-19-vaccination.pdf?utm
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/covid_19_vaccination_response_country_experiences_best_practices_lessons.pdf?download=true&sfvrsn=6d865c90_4&utm
https://www.who.int/campaigns/vaccine-equity/vaccine-equity-declaration?utm
https://www.who.int/news/item/15-07-2024-global-childhood-immunization-levels-stalled-in-2023-leaving-many-without-life-saving-protection?utm
https://www.who.int/teams/immunization-vaccines-and-biologicals/essential-programme-on-immunization/supply-chain/guidance?utm
