Topic: Managing Secondary Effects of Disease Outbreaks
Country: Austria
Delegate Name: Jessica Robach
School: Williamston High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Austria position papers GLIMUN 2016 committees
Limiting the spread of disease is essential for the stability of the global population. Diseases are the leading cause of death throughout the world. With 56 million deaths occurring a year from wide ranging illnesses, it is evident that the control and treatment of diseases is a subject that must be addressed. The implementation of vaccines and enforcement of health care is essential to prevent devastation. A disease outbreak carries the potential to destruct entire economical and social systems. As a world, we must recognize the harsh destruction that is brought by disease and make it a priority to limit the spread of outbreaks.
Austria has a history of valuing public health as a top priority, and continues to exemplify this policy today. The Austrian Public Health Association states that a main goal of the country is to “maintain and promote the health of the population”. To ensure that the population remains in good health, vaccines are made widely available to all groups of people. The Federal Health Promotion and Prevention Act that has been enacted helps to prevent the outbreak of disease through vaccinations and education. Another significant piece of legislation that has been passed in Austria is the Epidemics Act. The act defines the responsibilities of the Government and the course of action that must be taken in an outbreak were to occur, which further protects the country from a state of crisis. Total health expenditure in Austria accounts for 10% of the country's Gross Domestic Product. Despite the mass of these expenditures, the Austrian Public Health Association wishes to maintain this level of funding into the future. Austria wishes to further correspond with fellow nations of the European Union to ensure access to supplies necessary for the prevention of disease.
Nations around the world must respond to needs concerning health care. Disease requires treatment and intervention from all levels of the government. Vaccinations and sanitary measures will greatly reduce the risk of an outbreak. This calls for resolutions from countries around the globe. It is vital for citizens of all nations to receive proper treatment to prevent disease. In correspondence with nations of the European Union, Austria hopes that the frequency of outbreaks will be significantly lessened. The limiting of outbreaks will make for a healthier planet. With less occurrences of health crises, nations around the world will be able to prosper.
