Akshath K

Welcome to the World Health Organization committee sessions of the Schoolhouse Model United Nations 2026! Schoolhouse MUN is an online Model United Nations event organized by a team of volunteers from schoolhouse.world. Delegates will have the opportunity to represent different countries in four distinct committees of the United Nations. This experience will enhance their understanding of current world issues and improve their public speaking, collaboration, and leadership skills. Agenda: Discussing the Legality of Medical Advertisements Made Directly to Consumers Developing a cohesive international response to direct-to-consumer marketing of over-the-counter, prescription, and integrative medicines and medications. Chairs: Claire A, Mattis L, and Akshath K Overview of the Committee’s Agenda: A trillion-dollar industry is marketing its wares--but does it put our health at risk? Should pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies be allowed to advertise directly to consumers, and how? This fascinating issue is yours to tackle, delegates! Direct-to-consumer advertising of medicines is a hugely influential force on medical decision-making and the wider healthcare market. Such advertisements can increase patients’ awareness of cutting-edge drugs and allow research companies to profit from them, powering future investments. Yet, these advertisements can also lead to bad prescriptions, encourage the use of overpriced name-brand drugs, and misguide patients. While most nations have banned direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription drugs, questions of enforcement remain. Beyond prescription medications, you will also encounter over-the-counter medications, traditional therapies, and supplements. These medicines will spark captivating questions of their own. Delegates, your responsibility is to craft creative guidelines for direct-to-consumer advertising, dealing with the realities of each nation while pursuing a unified strategy. Are you ready to address the advertisements? Please make sure to also register for the main series: [https://schoolhouse.world/series/76738](https://schoolhouse.world/series/76738)[](https://schoolhouse.world/series/76738) Please note that each delegate must attend a minimum of three committee sessions to be eligible for a participation certificate. You are also welcome to join as an audience member!