Caucus Outline- Namibia

Country: Namibia
Topic:
Prevention of the Spread of H1N1
Committee:
The Committee on Preventing the Spread of H1N1

˙Background

-This virus was originally referred to as "swine flu" because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America.

-study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs.

-are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza.

-global death toll approached 4,000

-H1N1 first broke out in Mexico in 2009

-studies have shown that H1Ni can cause more severe symptoms in people that are younger than 25, also high-risk groups including people over the age of 65, children under the age of five, pregnant women…etc.

˙Policy

1. Namibia's Actions:
   

• the Ministry of Health of Namibia had already declared and advised Namibians: to seek immediate medical attention should people get sick, and depending on the symptoms, a healthcare provider will be able to determine whether or not flu testing or treatment is required.
  
• stockpiled Tamiflu, the drug that is being used globally for the treatment of H1N1, as well as swabs for laboratory testing on suspected cases of H1N1
  
• Namibia has only about 52 reported cases of H1N1
  

˙United Nations Involvement

-keeping updates about newest H1N1 information

-answer people's questions about H1N1

-hold meetings about how to solve the situation

-train doctors

˙solutions

-follow WHO's recommendations of the prevention of H1N1:

• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose;
  
• Clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated);
  
• Avoid close contact with people who might be ill;
  
• Reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible;
  
• Improve airflow in your living space by opening windows;
  
• Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.
  

-fully cooperate with health organizations

-stockpile Tamiflu, just in case.