Model UN Position Paper

Prior to a recent Model UN conference, I wrote a position paper about Germany's position on the current opioid epidemic and the lack of access to pain medication in some regions. This paper discusses possible methods that I researched to reduce addiction as well as suggests a method to combat the lack of access to medication in some countries.

"Germany recognizes the critical condition of the current climate of the opioid epidemic and the lack of access to pain medication in some regions. Globally, the average person consumes 32 milligrams of opioids per year, however, the average numbers within individual countries vary significantly. Currently, in Germany, individuals consume an average of 480 milligrams of opioids per year. Germany, along with the United States, Canada, and Iceland leads the world in opioid consumption rates. These four countries account for 89% of the world's opioid supply. The stark difference in resource accessibility leaves the rest of the global population extremely lacking in narcotic resources. Germany believes that this issue must be addressed because access to pain management is a healthcare right, not a privilege. Lack of access to narcotic drugs in these countries leaves thousands of patients struggling with illnesses that impair mobility, are chronic or fatal, and can be extremely painful without any means of relief. Germany strongly believes that countries similar to Germany in terms of access to narcotic drugs should join Germany in efforts to ensure equal access to pain medication globally.

Germany acknowledges its high opioid consumption rate. However, the solutions that Germany has implemented in order to avoid a large-scale opioid epidemic should be recognized as well. One solution that Germany has implemented is to not use opioids as a front-line medication for pain. Instead, opioids are used only if all other pain suppressors fail. This ensures that the consumption of opioids only occurs when it is absolutely necessary, which limits the potential for misuse. Furthermore, Germany has implemented a series of approaches to reduce mortality rates due to drug misuse in the country. An approach Germany has adopted is the implementation of harm reduction centers and procedures. Harm reduction centers provide those who experience addiction with a place to consume drugs under medical supervision. These centers promote the responsible use of drugs and provide clean equipment which both work together to lower overdose rates and curb the spread of disease. Data shows that Germany’s policies work well to eliminate the misuse of narcotic drugs.

Germany supports the implementation of a program that allows hospitals with an abundance of medications to donate to hospitals in countries that are in need of those medications. Germany also advocates for the implementation of harm reduction centers in regions where the opioid epidemic is rampant in order to lower the spread of disease within communities as well as lower overdose and mortality rates among those who experience addiction. Acknowledging both the injustices that lie within the lack of pain medication in certain regions and the rampant epidemic of opioid addiction, Germany will work both with countries that are abundant in narcotic resources, and countries that lack these resources to bridge the gap between the drastic statistics that the world currently faces, and create unified solutions that combat addiction on a global scale. Germany is looking forward to engaging in spirited and productive debate and collaboration with fellow Delegates."