Topic: 2025 – Vaccine Access and Distribution
Country: Greece
Delegate Name: Talia McCollum
Topic: 2025 – Vaccine Access and Distribution
Country: Greece
Committee: World Health Organization
Delegate Name: Talia McCollum
School: Mattawan High School
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, vaccines have become one of the most pressing global health concerns. Only a small number of countries achieved coverage rates above 75% for at least one dose, and even fewer reached high rates of full vaccination. These are not the result of a single cause, but from challenges in global health systems. Recent uprisings in measles cases have made very apparent that the challenge is beyond COVID-19; uneven distribution of fundamental childhood vaccines continues to place millions at risk from preventable diseases.
The UN and the WHO have taken initiative to address this, including the 2017 resolution on strengthening immunization systems and the creation of the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030). This framework calls on Member States to take responsibility for their own immunization programs through monitoring, evaluation, and equitable distribution. The impact goals consist of reducing morbidity and mortality, leaving no one behind, and ensuring good health and wellbeing.
Greece is committed to providing vaccines for its population and contributing to global immunization goals. Greece maintains a National Immunization Program that provides free vaccines to all residents, which include refugees and migrants. Greece has strengthened digital vaccination records, expanded access to community health centers, and implemented community based programs to help immunization rates. Greece has also played a big role in supporting international vaccine distribution. As a Member State of the EU, Greece contributed to joint procurement and distribution mechanisms during the COVID-19 pandemic and supported COVAX, the global initiative aimed at equitable vaccine access for lower-income nations. Greece continues to support the commitments outlined in IA2030, which recognizes them as essential for reducing disease burdens, preventing outbreaks, and promoting global health security.
However, Greece acknowledges that major disparities remain in global vaccine distribution, especially across Africa, South Asia, and remote regions. Limited healthcare workers and regional conflict continue to disrupt vaccine access. Greece believes that WHO must make an effort to address these obstacles through investment, monitoring strategies, and strengthened support for vulnerable populations.
Greece emphasizes that vaccines cannot be administered without trained professionals. WHO should support Member States in expanding healthcare worker training programs, especially for nurses and midwives. Greece asks for WHO supported Mobile Immunization Units, staffed by internationally funded and trained professionals, to deliver vaccines in remote and underserved areas. Greece supports the expansion of international medical deployments during outbreak emergencies to ensure rapid, effective vaccine administration.
Populations facing poverty, displacement, or conflict are the least likely to receive timely vaccinations. Greece recommends that WHO develop protocols for emergency vaccine deployment, making sure that humanitarian settings receive the shipments of vaccines and equipment. This includes pre-positioning vaccines in regional emergency stockpiles. Greece stresses that equity requires prioritizing those who are most at risk and ensuring that workers are trained to deliver care without discrimination.
Many vaccines require cold-chain storage, which poses major challenges in low-resource environments. Greece proposes that WHO expand investment in solar-powered refrigeration units, low-cost insulated transport containers, and real-time temperature-monitoring devices to protect vaccine integrity. Greece also encourages Member States to collaborate on regional distribution hubs to reduce delays caused by limited infrastructure. Finally, Greece supports continued research into heat-stable vaccines and single-dose formulations, which would significantly ease the burden on transportation and storage systems in remote regions.
By strengthening the healthcare workforce, improving access for vulnerable populations, and addressing storage and transportation challenges, WHO and its Member States can build a world where all people have access to life-saving vaccines. Greece stands ready to work with the global community toward achieving the goals of IA2030 and ensuring health and wellbeing for all.
