Group Photo of the Utah Valley University delegation at the entrance of the World Health Oranization
On July 9th, 2026, student members of the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF), a coalition of student clubs at Utah Valley University (UVU) visited the World Health Organization (WHO) to meet and learn about activities and program of this United Nations body and attended a dinner with members of Geneva Internationale Rotary Club and Geneva Rotaract Club.
UVU Rotaractors are greeted by Mr. Oliver Rosenbauer, the Communications Officer for the WHO’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative
After arriving at the World Health Organization, the students were welcomed by Oliver Rosenbauer, the Communications Officer for the WHO’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative and a member of the Rotary Club Geneva International. He taught the students about the disease, its history, and the efforts made by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to stop its spread. Polio in part qualifies for eradication because it only survives in people, not the environment or animals. The Rotary Club was one of the first NGOs to begin the eradication effort, and remains one of its largest supporters to date. Particularly relevant considering the close relationship the UIMF students have with the Orem Lindon Rotary Club. This visit to Geneva and to the WHO was facilitated in particular by Mr. Oliver Rosenbauer and his Rotarian colleagues. In preparations for the visit, Mr.Rosenbauer participated at the World Polio Day observation at UVU on October 23rd, 2025. UVU Rotaractors hosted it through student-engaged learning model by managing all stages of the event as a group activity under the mentorship of the teacher.
This was followed by a presentation from Dr. Margaret Harris, the Global Spokesperson for the WHO. Her presentation was on the United Nations and Global Public Health. She explained how the WHO is governed, determines what is a health emergency, and great achievements the organization has made for public health. A public health emergency can only be declared by the WHO’s director of public health. The public must be notified once something is declared as a PHE. After the COVID-19 Pandemic, the WHO created the Pandemic Accord, which has the goal of increasing global collaboration during PHEs that they may be responded to in a coordinated matter, with equitable vaccine access among all countries, and information regarding the pandemic being shared transparently. When building communities ready to face PHEs, Dr. Harris recommended creating relationships with a community before a crisis arises, and educating the public on best health practices.
[insert photo of students listening to Margaret’s presentation]
[insert photo of students with Margaret]
Carina Simoes De Jesus, UN Volunteer Project Manager for the Health Governance and Peacebuilding project
The group then took a break for lunch, before returning for a third presentation by Carina Simoes De Jesus, UN Volunteer Project Manager for the Health Governance and Peacebuilding project, an initiative under the WHO and the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) in Guinea-Bissau. She explained the history of the project, how the ideas of peace and health work together, and the roadmap for HGPP. The initiative was jointly launched by Switzerland and Oman in 2019, to help promote the implementation of health and peace focused efforts in Guinea-Bissau. She taught the students how peace and health are ideas that rely on each other. True peace requires good health, good health requires peace.
Natalia Figueroa, Student Leader of the UVU delegation presents a gift to Mrs. Carina Simoes De Jesus,
Finally she discussed the GHPI roadmap and how it is being implemented. The roadmap uses evidence generation for research and analysis, developing a strategic framework for advocacy and awareness raising, capacity building, partnership development, bring the health and peace initiative to the mainstream.
Presentation by Fahmy Hanna, a technical officer in the WHO department of Mental Health and Substance Use
The final presentation of the day was given by Fahmy Hanna, a technical officer in the WHO department of Mental Health and Substance Use. He taught students about the relationship between mental health and psychosocial support, the types of mental health problems experienced by people in emergencies, and how the UN and its member states are working to address issues related to mental health around the world. According to the WHO’s research, 1 in 5 people are affected by a mental health condition after experiencing a health emergency. When assisting those affected by health emergencies, the WHO uses a framework based in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, where psychosocial well-being is promoted alongside the treatment and prevention of mental health issues. He emphasized that there should always be at least one mental health specialist at every health facility. The WHO categories the mental health struggles experienced into three groups: emergency induced, pre-existing, and humanitarian response induced. Since creating the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support preparedness plans, UN member states integration has moved from 28% in 2019, to 48% in 2026.
Presentation of gift to Fahmy Hanna by UVU delegation
The students were grateful for all the presentations they were able to attend. They were able to learn about the inner workings of several departments within the WHO, providing them knowledge on the various paths one could take to work in the health sector of the United Nations. They were able to practice diplomatic skills by asking questions and networking with the presenters, which will prepare them for further opportunities to connect with those working in the industries the students aim to enter.
Presentation of book to Mr. Oliver Rosenbauer by UVU delegation
After the presentation, the students were able to look at the WHO gift shop, and explore the architecture and art installations of the building. It is here they learned about how the building had been under renovation for several years due to asbestos exposure and had only recently reopened. Making the timing of the students study abroad timely, allowing them this experience they may not have otherwise had.
UVU Rotaractors attend the dinner with Geneva Internationale Rotary Club
Later in the day, after taking some time to rest at the Ibis Hotel, students went to the Intercontinental Hotel, where they once again met up with Oliver Rosenbauer to attend the dinner with the members of the Rotary Club Geneva International. Students were able to mingle with members during the dinner, including fellow Rotaractors from the area. At the end of the dinner, Vice President of Rotary Club Geneva International Dr Pranvera Këllezi and Vice President of the UVU Rotaract Club Ashcraft had the chance to exchange club flags, and explain to each other the details of their respective organization. The Rotaract clubs of Geneva and UVU then had the opportunity to take a photo together.
Exchange of club flags at the dinner end by two delegates
Overall, this was a very eventful and important day for the student members of the Utah International Mountain Forum. They were able to further explore the UN and learn about how it operates, and the different careers possible. They made connections that will help them find future opportunities in their work and education.
Group photo of UVU and Geneva Rotaractors
And with the Rotary dinner, they strengthened UVU’s strong relationship with the Rotary Clubs especially Utah district 5420 and Orem-Lindon Rotarians, who provided a funding for students visit to Geneva and New York. These events demonstrate the importance of student engaged learning, and study abroad programs, empowering students to make real world impact.
Megan Ashcraft, Vice President of the UVU Rotaract Club
***
Utah District Newsletter about UVU Rotaractors Visit
***
STUDENT REFLECTIVE ESSAYS
***
26-07-23-Erynn-Lammi-UVU Students Visit to the WHO During Study Abroad Program in Geneva
***
***
