LonWHO - Pandemics is scheduled to take place from Saturday April 9th to Sunday April 10th at the Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London. Specific times will be specified closer to the event date, but should be around 9am-5pm both days.

The theme of LonWHO is Pandemics: Preparedness, Response and Recovery. To facilitate the debates, we have divided this theme in sub-themes, that are being released regularly. You can find out more about our theme and sub-themes at www.ukwho.org/lonwho-pandemics and on our social media channels. A theme guide will be sent out to all delegates before the conference. In addition, online and in-person theme trainings will be delivered before and at the conference.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer group discounts this year. However, for every 3 friends referred who purchase a ticket, you will receive a complimentary drink at the social. If you have been awarded a best delegate or honourable mention award at one of our simulations (currently SheffWHO or LonWHO) or during the Academy Programme, you can benefit from our best delegate discount (£10 off on general registration tickets). To benefit from this discount, please get in touch with us at lonwho@gmail.com and we will let you know how to proceed.

It is an educational simulation in which students and young professionals simulate the World Health Organization’s World Health Assembly as held in the WHO Geneva headquarters. Delegates adopt roles such as member states, NGOs, UN agencies, industry and media actors to create health policy resolutions. They then debate these in their regional blocks according to the WHO style Rules of Procedure – via moderated and plenary sessions. The simulation also comprises opening and closing ceremonies in the style of the World Health Assembly, with external speaker academics/practitioners advising on the theme and showcasing their work.

The target audience for this conference includes medical/health science students, healthcare professionals and early career academics. However, we welcome participants from ALL backgrounds and ALL levels of simulation experience. ModelWHO simulations include a training on the first day of the conference, detailing the UN/WHO modus operandi including the rules of procedure, to ensure delegates are adequately prepared. Before the conferences Delegate Information Guide and a Theme Guide are released to explain this matter more in-depth, including how to write a position paper.

By participating in a ModelWHO simulation, you will gain hands-on experience in policy writing and debate. There will also be opportunities to interact with academics and practitioners from the conflict and health realm and networking sessions for participants, to form life-long friendships within the global health world. Following presentation of and voting on these regional resolutions to the full assembly in Plenary, the final documents are submitted to the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland to demonstrate the creative capacity of the next generation of global health leaders.

UK Model WHO and affiliated conferences are not-for-profit, with the full ticket price going towards covering speakers, securing the venue, organising a social event, providing food and refreshments throughout the day as well as conference materials and goodies. Unfortunately, the conference price does not cover accommodation costs. However, recommendations will be provided for finding your own accommodation in the Delegate Handbook.

The theme is the topic of interest that guides discussions for the conference. Previous themes include Conflict and Health, Environmental Health, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and Healthy Cities.

Model WHO conferences are typically three-day conferences which draw students from a variety of educational levels and disciplines, from non-medical and even non-science backgrounds. In addition to attending assembly debate sessions, students will participate in workshops to develop skills related to policy and diplomacy as well as hearing from experienced keynote speakers. Social nights are also organized by a conference secretariat to provide a platform for delegates to form a network of international friendships. All will leave with a strengthened confidence, critical thinking, and public speaking skills.