Topic: Managing Secondary Effects of Disease Outbreaks
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Thomas Barfuss
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All United States position papers GLIMUN 2016 committees
Disease outbreak can impact not only a country's population count but its culture and economy. These secondary impacts of disease outbreaks are often ignored. These secondary impacts can have detrimental impact on the future stability and well-being of the culture of a nation. If not addressed these can even cause the decline of national economy that could take years to get out of. Seeing the clear validity and important of these secondary effects.
The most prominent example of this impact in US history is the AIDS epidemic of the 1980's. Impacting the lives of millions of people, HIV AIDS has killed over 1,000,000 people in the US since it's outbreak in 1981. Although this number is insignificant compared to that of many sub-Saharan countries the cultural impact that AIDS had on America is incomparable to any other disease in recent history.
The stigma and cultural isolation that can be created in the wake of any major disease is one of the most damaging things to happen to large and small communities. In America, as well as many other nations, the fallout from AIDS and similar diseases has lead to destruction of community culture that had been in place for years.
Aside from the clear cultural impact, the possible economic impacts that these diseases can have can destroy already fragile developing nation economies. With a lowered work force small economies that are based off of communal productions can be stunted and in some cases hurt from the loss of work force.
There is no clear answer to solve these problems, the only possible solution is to stop the spread of disease all together. Though this may seem unlikely it is a goal that the United States see possible within the coming decades. With this on the horizon the United States recommends to look into possible forms of cultural intervention or education to help the cultural side of the problem, and recommends strengthening developing economies in secure industry.
Understanding the multitude of cultural differences involved with solving this topic the United States is hopeful for the potential solutions that can come out of national interdependence as well as foreign aid to help solve these problems.
