Over 350 young delegates from 52 nations demanded swift pandemic preparedness and prevention at the Global Model WHO (GMWHO) summit. The event, co-hosted by WFUNA and the WHO, stressed the need for a global strategy to address mounting health issues that disproportionately affect third-world countries.

Youth delegates discussed public health issues and called for a strong pandemic readiness framework at WHO headquarters, mimicking the World Health Assembly. The delegates stressed the need for a legally enforceable global pandemic agreement this year to address future health issues.

During the summit, researchers identified five infectious diseases that pose a global threat. These illnesses, with high death rates and transmission risk factors, require better health infrastructure, especially in developing nations.

At the recent Global Model WHO (GMWHO) meeting, health professionals and youth delegates discussed five infectious diseases with high fatality rates and diverse transmission risk that threaten global spread. These diseases show that pandemic preparedness is lacking, especially in developing nations with limited healthcare resources. Given these circumstances, youth delegates stressed the need to develop global health-care systems, especially in vulnerable places.

Influenza A subtype, including H7N9, H9N2, and H5N1, has 30% to 60% death rates. The spread of these aggressive strains among bird populations highlights the necessity for preventative infrastructure in third-world countries. The spread of sick birds and human-to-human transmission are major concerns, especially in rural and densely populated areas. Insufficient monitoring and diagnostic resources increase risk and delay outbreak discovery and containment in many of these locations. Without better surveillance mechanisms, these countries will struggle to intervene, risking unchecked spread and higher mortality.

Nipah virus, which kills 40% to 90% of victims, is a major threat in Southeast Asia. Fruit bats, viral reservoirs, transfer this virus from animals to people and between humans. Nipah virus transmission is higher in agricultural areas of underdeveloped countries with close human-wildlife contact, especially if healthcare is limited. Outbreaks are difficult to manage in these areas due to medical infrastructure issues. GMWHO experts say pandemic preparedness must address its weaknesses to prevent localized outbreaks from becoming public health emergencies.

As SARS-CoV-2 mutations emerged, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed its long-term risks. Variants' mortality rates range from 0.5% to 5%, depending on strain and population. High transmission rates and vaccine-resistant mutations make COVID-19 a concern, especially in low-income countries with poor immunization rates. Limited healthcare resources and vaccine shortages make these countries vulnerable to long-term epidemics. GMWHO members highlighted the need for a coordinated global vaccine distribution and healthcare assistance strategy to protect low-income nations from such fatal illnesses.

In West Africa's densely populated cities, rodent populations carry lassa fever, which kills 1% to 50% of victims. Poor sanitation and healthcare infrastructure facilitate transmission and complicate containment efforts. Due to the disease's urban frequency and human-to-human transmission danger, afflicted communities need better sanitation, rodent control, and healthcare. GMWHO members stressed the necessity of addressing these issues in disease management, which can lead to regional and international epidemics.

Like Ebola, Marburg virus disease (MVD) kills 23% to 90% of its victims. In Africa, weak healthcare infrastructure exacerbates viral outbreaks. Bat reservoirs and poor hospital infection management spread Marburg. MVD in resource-constrained areas highlights the need for targeted infection prevention and control, especially in Africa. GMWHO members stressed that increasing healthcare capacity in these areas is essential to lowering Marburg mortality rates.

These infectious diseases pose greater risks for third-world countries, where poor resources and infrastructure sometimes hinder containment. Without addressing these vulnerabilities in low-income nations, GMWHO delegates say pandemic preparedness will fail. Recent pandemics have primarily affected poorer countries, highlighting global health resiliency inequities.

These young delegates want a global pandemic accord that prioritizes pandemic preparedness for all nations, regardless of income. Strengthening healthcare systems, improving diagnostics and treatments, and ensuring equitable immunization distributions can improve global health.

Due to limited resources and infrastructure, developing countries are more vulnerable to these diseases, making containment less effective. Young GMWHO delegates stressed the necessity of including these countries in pandemic preparedness to prevent rapid global spread, citing the disproportionate impact of recent pandemics on low-income states.

The youth delegates finished the discussion by strongly urging WHO member states to prioritize the pandemic agreement. "Only through coordinated action can we protect the lives, well-being, and futures of our generation," the declaration said, highlighting global collaboration and resilience to reduce pandemic risks.

Doctor Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, appreciated the delegation's dedication. "This generation is instrumental in shaping a safer, fairer, and healthier world, and the voices of today's youth are essential in driving effective solutions for global health crises," he adds.

Third-world countries, often hardest hit by pandemics due to underfunded healthcare systems and vaccine shortages, need the Pandemic Agreement. Today's proclamation shows how student voices can affect our future. WFUNA Secretary-General Aziel Goulandris said empowering young leaders to directly participate in global decision-making creates a world where youth are true partners in progress and equity for all.

GMWHO conference Director-General Savannah Jamora stressed the significance of youth participation in policymaking for inclusive, effective health governance. She said, "Young people are more than just the future of global health; they are essential partners in shaping its present," underscoring that youth participation keeps health policy current and responsive to global needs.

An inclusive global pandemic agreement supports WHO's aims for youth empowerment and marginalized populations. GM stated that the Nipah virus and Lassa disease disproportionately affect developing nations. Young WHO delegates stressed equity in health resource distribution and infrastructure investment. A global pandemic agreement could improve healthcare resilience and containment efforts by addressing these issues.

Young engagement for global health policy was transformed by the GMWHO event, which highlighted the need for an agreement to reduce health inequities and improve pandemic preparedness. Young people are fighting for a safer, more resilient society as the world prepares for future health issues.