Topic:
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: Alex Vogel
Delegate: Alex Vogel
Country: Colombia
Committee: UN Women
Topic: Improving Maternal Mortality
Maternal health refers to the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. While rates of maternal mortality have seen great decreases in recent years, they remain at unacceptable heights. The rate of maternal mortality has seen a 38 percent decrease from 2000 to 2017 worldwide, hoverver, the fact remains that 94 percent of maternal deaths occur in lower income countries, displaying a direct tie between poverty and maternal deaths. Most of these deaths are preventable, and are the result of insufficient healthcare opportunities. Not only maternal health should be considered- in the early stages of life, the health of the mother and the health of the newborn are inextricably linked. Access to quality care makes a life-or-death difference on this topic, and the current death rates are unacceptable.
50 years of conflict have affected Columbia’s mothers greatly, and studies show areas with high levels of conflict and victimization in periods of high-volatility in Colombia’s history have a direct link to higher rates of maternal mortality- the areas visibly affected by this rise in maternal morality are remote, unsecure, or were treacherous during times of conflict, so much so that most assistance was provided by the already taxed Colombian government. The 50 years of conflict Colombia has experienced has made Colombia a hot-spot for humanitarian work, but it is important to avoid letting issues deemed of lesser importance or urgency also be paid attention to. Colombia hopes to lower rates of maternal mortality within its borders, as well as increasing access to natal care.
Colombia would propose to begin resolve these troubling issues by suggesting, encouraging, and participating in initiatives to grow, fund, and research medical avenues regarding maternal and natal. Colombia does not wish to interfere with the sovereignty of any nation, and would be opposed to any plan which deprives any country of their right to assist, monitor, and nurture their own people. Colombia also urges countries that have made steps towards research, cutting-edge care, and compassion towards struggling mothers to step forward and lead in the initiative to solve this issue. Colombia expects to find allies in other struggling countries- both regarding maternal mortality and poverty- and higher income European countries who have historically pushed to the forefront of similar endeavors.
