South African Press Association
United Nations (New YorK)
The United States this evening is reeling in their heels in the World Health Organisation after losing total control over the WHO to the African Union caucus. The AU group have clearly stated that their intention was to make sure that there is a deal that benefits african’s, and to have a deal that will not only make sure that African citizens are protected, but to make sure that future pandemics are mitigated.
Earlier in the day, the United States presented Draft Resolution 1 to the World Health Organisation. This draft resolution was a strong resolution for those who believe in the value of education as the main tool of tackling Ebola. Whilst education is an important factor that must be considered at all times, it shouldn’t be mistaken that it isn’t the be all and end all. Yet this was the action that seemed to want to go out and make yesterday afternoon’s action occur.
During a question time earlier with SAPA, the United States stated that nations should come to them. As already discussed in previous articles, this is quite dangerous. The AU group realised this, as stated during an interview that “the african message wasn’t getting across at all until we united as a group”. Furthermore, the AU stated that “no consultation was being made by the United States”.
The AU group was then formed afterwards to attempt to make the African message heard. This was conducted on an amendment by (COUNTRY) as to set up a new fund for future pandemics. This amendment came as a surprise to the United States, and the delegate did not expect it to pass. However, with the support of Latin countries, along with Russia, it did pass with the chants of AU AU AU seeping throughout the chamber.
It’s important to remember that the US has done a good job in solving the short term issues. The resolution that they proposed makes sure that no country is going to be left behind in trade, that the people on the ground will be able to seek basic medical treatment. Whilst the impetus and the need for the change was hastened due to changes in the Ebola virus during the day, there is still that checks and balances in place. Where both their working paper and their draft resolution fail is the long term solutions.
This publication is in support behind the AU movement on the WHO. The AU movement holds ideals for which this paper expresses a strong leaning towards. This paper has, and the AU is looking at better methods for dealing with pandemics and how better to deal with the local governments rather than just education and other similar short term solutions. Whilst there has been no discussion regarding vaccinations and cures, it would be expected that any progress on this issue would require a US backing.
Whilst the AU movement has done a great job in attempting to make African issues heard, there may be problems with it. It seems to be more of a marriage of convenience to get issues heard rather than a marriage whereby all states are happy about it. South Africa for instance is still heavily in favour of using current mechanisms that are in place, and are being terribly stubborn about it. This writer is waiting for an opportunity to split the african caucus. It’s problematic when they say that their achievement was creating a union yesterday, and have no direction for the next day.
sydmun2014 