Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)

Directed By: Giovanna Santana

About:

Despite decades of progress, HIV/AIDS continues to affect millions of people across the globe. Many communities still face barriers to healthcare, limited access to preventative resources, and persistent social stigma surrounding the disease. As a result, international cooperation remains essential to reducing new infections and improving the quality of life for those living with HIV.

The first topic focuses on HIV prevention. Delegates will examine strategies for reducing new HIV infections through education, testing initiatives, awareness campaigns, safe healthcare practices, and increased access to preventative medications and resources. Discussions will center on how nations can effectively promote public health while addressing the unique challenges faced by different populations and regions.

The second topic addresses the importance of HIV research. Delegates will explore ways to support scientific advancements that improve HIV treatments, contribute to vaccine development, expand understanding of the virus's long-term effects, and create more effective approaches for managing and preventing HIV worldwide. The committee will consider how international collaboration, funding, and innovation can accelerate progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

This committee encourages thoughtful, solutions-oriented debate that balances scientific advancement, public health priorities, and humanitarian concerns. Delegates will be challenged to develop practical and impactful solutions while working toward the shared goal of ending the global HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Committee Description:

Giovanna Santana is a junior majoring in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience on the pre-med track at the University of Florida. Originally from Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil, she has a strong passion for public health and expanding healthcare awareness, which played a significant role in inspiring this committee. Giovanna interns at a free clinic, where she also serves as an HIV counselor. Her experiences working directly with patients and providing HIV education and counseling further inspired her interest in the topics being discussed throughout the weekend.

Through this committee, Giovanna hopes delegates will not only collaborate and find common ground despite their differences but also leave with a greater understanding and awareness of the ongoing global challenges surrounding HIV/AIDS. She has participated in Model United Nations since her junior year of high school and has found some of her closest friends through the collegiate MUN circuit.

Outside of academics and Model UN, Giovanna enjoys watching cartoons, exploring cute cafés and restaurants, crocheting, and spending entirely too much money on clothes. She is incredibly excited to meet all of the delegates and looks forward to an engaging and memorable weekend!