Young pioneers at the center of medical innovations: a key element in improving global health

This article was exclusively written for European Sting by Mr. Saah Lontsi Dercartes, currently a fifth year medical student attending the Faculty of Medicine and pharmaceutical Sciences (FMPS) of the university of Douala, Cameroon. He 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.

We live in an era where major global health challenges and public health issues are becoming increasingly concerning. In response, many proposed solutions are being implemented, requiring the involvement of a important number of dynamic actors, among whom young people hold a place of choice. In this regard, numerous actions and innovations undertaken by the younger population have been noted, and their impact at the international level is, to this day, undeniable.

The list of challenges to be addressed is long (from non-communicable diseases to maternal and child health issues, not to mention pandemics, the rise of antibiotic resistance, malnutrition, and mental health, to cite only a few). Faced with these challenges, young health promoters from different regions of the world—organized in groups or even individually—have distinguished themselves by developing various approaches aimed at tackling these issues. The prospects emerging from these initiatives are increasingly encouraging.

The WHO rightly recognizes the added value of young people’s contribution to improving health conditions both locally and globally. It therefore includes youth as partners and stakeholders in its plans. In this vein, the WHO has in recent years launched several initiatives such as the WHO Youth Council, the Youth Delegate Program, and the Global Model WHO, which rely on the participation, skills, knowledge, and creativity of young people—whether healthcare professionals or not—to design sustainable solutions to the challenges raised, while simultaneously ensuring the training and capacity building of for them.

Similarly, UNICEF has established strategies that highlight youth engagement, such as Young-led Action and the Young Health Program, with the primary aim of accelerating the impact of young change-makers, enabling them to grow personally while improving their communities. These strategies include mentoring programs, training, and funding opportunities to strengthen the capacities of these actors.

Furthermore, young people are essential to achieving the objectives of the One Health approach, as the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) rightly points out. They are emphasized as creators, communicators, and implementers of related ideas through new technologies, media, and awareness-raising. This also includes platforms and forums where students are encouraged to propose their ideas on One Health-related topics and, consequently, on improving global health.

Ultimately, the inclusion of young people in the global health agenda, already a reality and gaining momentum represents a powerful lever for strengthening health systems and advancing sustainable development. For this reason, we should all commit ourselves fully to this cause!

About the author

Saah Lontsi Dercartes is currently a fifth year medical student attending the Faculty of Medicine and pharmaceutical Sciences (FMPS) of the university of Douala, Cameroon.  He’s passionate about medical education, neurosciences and research. He is an active member in Cameroon Medical Students Association (CAMSA) where he held some posts such as Class ambassador, Local officer or Presidential Local officer of his faculty. He desires to inspire people et impact his community in other to reinforce and promote health and well-being among them. Furthermore, he aspires to be a reference and an innovator in his future domain.   

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