The lens of global health through youth innovation

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Levina Kulembeka, a 24 year old medical student in her fifth year at the University of KCMC in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

Youths are the heartbeat of global change. The generation today and tomorrow depends on the workforce and unity of youth. Youth are not merely the change of tomorrow but they are the active changemakers shaping global health today. Imagine a life without innovations? It is just impossible. This year’s theme on international youth day states that, “Local youth actions for SDGs and beyond” this theme emphasizes the importance of youth in implementing global goals into practical community driven initiatives. Youth across the world are not waiting for change but they are making it. We are innovators, changemakers and advocates. Half the world’s population under the age of 30, youth are creating bold innovations that change outdated systems.

Youth-led innovations in global health manifest in diverse ways from advocacy and digital health solutions to climate–health initiatives and community-based care models. Across the globe, young people are reimagining what inclusive, equitable health systems can look like. In São Paulo, Brazil, a city marked by deep inequalities, youth are driving social innovation to foster renewal in marginalized neighborhoods. In Manchester, UK, young leaders are transforming post-industrial spaces into creative and digital hubs that generate opportunity and well-being. Meanwhile, in Johannesburg, South Africa, a city still grappling with the legacies of apartheid, youth are leveraging social innovation to confront spatial inequality and strengthen community cohesion. These examples underscore a universal truth: empowered youth can reshape both health and society at large.

Combined forces including building youth networks and coalition, advocating for systemic change, bridging youth and stakeholders, combining direct action with advocacy help to shape youth innovations into action. Youth leaders are deeply rooted to their communities making their solutions culturally relevant and accessible. For example peer to peer mental health initiatives led by students can help to normalize conversations around depression and anxiety. Also lets not overlook capacity building programs like Bingwa PLUS (Africa CDC), an initiative aimed at supporting youth led projects by providing mentorship, capacity building and financial support to drive innovation in public health across the African continent. This is more than a milestone but a great step. Take a moment to reflect, am I taking a bold step to solve problems and create solutions because where their problems solutions are championed.

Youth-led innovations often face significant barriers, including limited resources and funding, lack of mentorship, minimal representation in policymaking spaces, and insufficient recognition of their contributions. Tackling these issues demands fresh perspectives, and youth are uniquely positioned to provide them. The call to action is clear: empower young people not only as participants but as architects of change. By doing so, we enable them to champion innovation and confront today’s health crises with courage and creativity. Youth everywhere are catalysts of transformation; their voices resonate across communities and institutions. On this International Youth Day, we celebrate their vision, resilience, and leadership in shaping a healthier, more equitable future.

About the author

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Levina Kulembeka, a 24 year old medical student in her fifth year at the University of KCMC in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Association (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.