American Mock World Health Organization (AMWHO): introducing students to global health policy through a model WHO conference

Abstract

4 www.thelancet.com/lancetgh Published Online April 8, 2016 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA (E Lee, M Lei, E Holcomb) Correspondence to: Emma Holcomb, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, American Mock World Health Organization, Box 8 Frank Porter Graham Student Union, UNC-CH Campus Box 5210, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-5210, USA emmach@live.unc.edu American Mock World Health Organization (AMWHO): introducing students to global health policy through a model WHO conference Edith Lee, Mia Lei, Emma Holcomb Abstract Background The American Mock World Health Organization (AMWHO) was established in 2013, and between October 2-4, 2015, the second AMWHO conference convened at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. The aim of AMWHO is to engage students in health policy, empower future global leaders through simulations of WHO meetings, allow students to practise their knowledge of global health, and sharpen their skills in diplomacy, communication, problem solving, and confl ict resolution. Here, we describe the AMWHO and report outcomes for delegates at the 2015 conference.Background The American Mock World Health Organization (AMWHO) was established in 2013, and between October 2-4, 2015, the second AMWHO conference convened at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. The aim of AMWHO is to engage students in health policy, empower future global leaders through simulations of WHO meetings, allow students to practise their knowledge of global health, and sharpen their skills in diplomacy, communication, problem solving, and confl ict resolution. Here, we describe the AMWHO and report outcomes for delegates at the 2015 conference. Methods AMWHO recruited delegates through marketing to universities and social media. The 2015 conference was structured as a model conference; each student represented a WHO member nation to debate, and write resolutions on, the conference’s theme—universal health coverage in 2015. After the conference, we surveyed delegates at AMWHO 2015 to seek feedback on their experience at the meeting . Findings AMWHO 2015 was attended by 113 undergraduate and graduate students from the USA and other countries. Students heard from experts in global health through lectures, lunch-and-learns, and panel discussions. We analysed 39 feedback forms and attendees described an overwhelmingly positive experience of the conference. Students said AMWHO had “revived [their] passion for diplomacy and advocacy,” and described the experience as one that “could not be found in a classroom” and “infl uential” for their future plans. 35 of 39 respondents (90%) rated the experience as “good” or better, and 38 of 39 (97%) would recommend AMWHO to a friend. Resolutions from the conference were sent to WHO in Geneva, Switzerland. Interpretation AMWHO is a useful forum for students to improve their knowledge of global health issues, and sharpen their skills in diplomacy, communication, problem solving, and confl ict resolution. Emory University (Atlanta, GA, USA) will host the next national AMWHO conference in October, 2016. Eight AMWHO chapters have been established at other universities, and a network has been formed to facilitate growth. AMWHO at the University of North Carolina will expand to be a year-round organisation on campus that focuses on global health policy.