TOPIC A: Water Access and Treatment

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In a world overrun by climate crises, scarcity and war, the quest for clean drinking water has never ceased to run rampant. Globalization and the modernity brought upon society by urbanization were thought by many to be the catalysts of a new health era, one where water sanitation was no longer a matter of concern. Notwithstanding, history has continued to prove this notion incorrect; thousands of people across the Americas still currently struggle to secure access to safe drinking water or sanitation services. When exploring the intricate details of this broad discussion it is vital that delegates consider infrastructure challenges, affordability, governance policies, and geographical disparities. It is our duty to both safeguard and promote people’s access to this basic necessity across the region, cultivating healthy hygiene practices that will significantly improve quality of life simultaneously.​

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TOPIC B: The Dengue Outbreak

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Dengue is a mosquito-borne illness affecting large parts of Latin America. Symptoms can vary from mild fevers to high-grade fever, severe headache, joint pain, and rashes to complicating manifestations through shock or respiratory distress, bleeding, and even organ impairment. The disease has a seasonal trend, with outbreaks mainly in the first half of the year during warmer and rainy months in the southern hemisphere, more so in Latin America as an uncertain epidemic. In the northern hemisphere, however, these peak again in the year's second half. In Latin America, dengue has created quite a challenge, stemming from the weaknesses of health care systems, access to affordable health services, and misinformation among populations. Many countries lack the resources to manage outbreaks properly, thus severely limiting follow-up care. Also, improper care and open public health measures expose many areas to striking new mountains of the outbreak. The socioeconomic realities of Latin America, especially in poorer, developing regions, are at a neat angle to escalate the impact of the disease. Without immediate intervention, the infection will continue unabated, heavily disrupting social and economic life.