Global health is an issue that has been pushed in and out of the main political agenda in the last decade. With the catastrophic rise of climate change disasters, turning tide of the digital age, and conflicts over resources, global health is still being ignored – which is why this plenary was so heavily debated by delegates on the floor panel. There was great consensus that the impact of education on global health goes hand in hand ad will be reflected in the final resolution.
Plenary session on global health was led by OYW Counsellors, Professor Anne Johnson (Head of the UCL Division of Population Health), Flavia Pansieri (United Nations Volunteer), Sharon Bamford (UK India Business Council), and Zoya Phan (author of “Little Daughter”).
Pierre Roca (Denmark) reminded us that the right to healthcare is a recognised human right, just as half the Millennium Development Goals are related to health. Prioritising issues on the health agenda is an urgent case for reducing treatable diseases. Ajarat Bada (Nigeria) made an impressive speech focusing on where we are on fulfilling the MDGs. While there has been some improvement in the productivity of food, training local people on nutrition, and replicating Muhammad Yunus’ micro-finance model, the MDGs still fall short on its promise. Pharmaceutical companies must be lobbied to enable the transfer of patents and medical know-how to countries that cannot afford prescriptions, and reach remote villages that still have no access to basic healthcare. Training to be a school teacher, Karl Benson Molina (Philippines) addressed that extreme poverty equates to hunger and malnutrition. The Philippines is endowed with rich natural resources but due to high commodity prices, people are unjustly suffering from chronic poverty, surviving on scavenging through garbage tips which are then being sold to restaurants at a price. “Hunger is more than having an empty stomach,” it is about keeping one’s dignity.
Lucian Tarnowski (UK) stressed that “everything ends and starts with education” as a 
means to prevent illnesses and encouraging better nutrition. Prevention is foremost and breaking myths and misconceptions of diseases by any means will promote better standard of living for all. With HIV and AIDS on the forefront of Uganda’s national agenda, Alexa Mabonga consents that sharing information is key in spreading awareness. 50% of individuals living with HIV/AIDS are between 15-25 years - our generation. In the height of the digital age, it is easier to disseminate health information, either through text, video, sound or visual form. Charlie Maddock (USA) agreed on the education factor, however pointed out that practitioners must be better trained. He shared his story of suffering from brain trauma and more on his incredible survival can be found on: http://www.charlesmaddockfoundation.org/.
As part of the Global Poverty Project, founder Hugh Evans from Australia presented a film premiere educating delegates on the devastation of extreme poverty across the world. 1.4 billion people live in extreme poverty and the project aims to invigorate a global movement to take effective concerted action through presenting stories about those living in this condition. To join the Global Poverty Project, visit: http://www.globalpovertyproject.com.
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