Youth as Change-Makers in Global Health and Antimicrobial Resistance

As antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to challenge health systems across the world, it is increasingly clear that meaningful solutions require not only scientific and policy innovation, but also stronger youth engagement. This session explores how young people can contribute to global health and AMR not only through advocacy, but through leadership, collaboration, and systems-level action. By connecting international perspectives with public health practice, the discussion also reflects how global priorities can be translated into local implementation, including through experiences relevant to Taiwan’s public health context.

This session highlights how young health professionals can contribute to the global fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Dr. Olayinka Fakorede

▩ Current Position :

1.Co-Chair, Antimicrobial Resistance Working Group, Junior Doctors Network

2.Master of Public Health (MPH) Candidate in Global Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

▩ Topic :

From Awareness to Action: Empowering Youth as Drivers of Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions

▩ Profile :

Olayinka Fakorede, MBBS, MPH, is a Nigerian-trained medical doctor, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) researcher, and public health professional committed to advancing global health security, equitable access to care, and evidence-based strategies to address drug-resistant infections.

She holds an MBBS from Bowen University and a Master of Public Health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where she developed expertise in infectious disease epidemiology, health systems strengthening, and implementation science, with a focus on AMR policy and stewardship. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health.

She currently works as a researcher, integrating AMR into broader health systems and global health research. She also serves as AMR Co-Chair of the Junior Doctors Network at the World Medical Association, contributing to global policy discussions, youth engagement, and advocacy efforts, including those surrounding the World Health Assembly.

▩ Relevant Experiences :

1.Led the World Health Students’ Alliance in organizing an international Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Conference

2.Contributed to policy documents on infectious disease control and AMR

3.Led AMR Advocacy Working Groups focusing on youth engagement and global health policy

4.Active involvement in international health advocacy and youth participation in global health governance

Dr. Salman Khan(online)

▩ Current Position :

1.Youth Engagement Consultant for ReAct Asia Pacific

2.Volunteer at Global Shapers Mumbai Hub (youth platform)

▩ Topic :

You(th) can defeat AMR!

▩ Profile :

Dr. Salman Khan is a public health advocate with over seven years of experience in youth engagement and global health advocacy. His work focuses strongly on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), where he currently serves as a Youth Engagement Consultant at ReAct Asia Pacific, mobilizing young people through capacity building and policy advocacy. He has held key leadership roles within the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA), leading public health initiatives across more than 120 countries and representing over 1.5 million students worldwide. Dr. Khan has also contributed to global dialogues through platforms such as the World Health Assembly, WHO and UN forums. He continues to champion youth-led action in addressing pressing global health challenges.

▩ Relevant Experiences :

1.MBBS, Grant Government Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, Mumbai

2.International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations: advocate for public health

3.Youth Pre-World Assembly Programme Development Coordinator

4.Quadripartite Working Group on Youth Engagement for AMR

5.Co-lead organiser of the 4th Global AMR Youth Summit

6.Currently pursuing MSc in Global Health and Human Development at Jindai Global University

Dr. Wan-Chin Chen

▩ Current Position :

Director, Division of Infection Control and Biosaftey, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, R.O.C. (Taiwan)

▩ Topic :

Strengthening National and Global AMR Health Security with Youth Engagement

▩ Profile :

Dr. Wan-Chin Chen is the Division Director at Taiwan CDC, specializing in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) control through epidemiological surveillance, outbreak investigation, and infection prevention strategies. With a background in field epidemiology, she has contributed to national infectious disease response, including COVID-19, and plays a key role in strengthening AMR preparedness and public health systems. Her work bridges surveillance data and policy implementation to address AMR challenges at the national level.

▩ Relevant Experiences :

1.Medical Officer, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, R.O.C. (Taiwan)

2.Actively involved in national COVID-19 response and outbreak management

3.Experienced field epidemiologist with publications in leading international journals

4.Specialized in outbreak investigation and epidemiology of emerging infectious diseases, including COVID-19, Japanese encephalitis, adenovirus, hepatitis A and tuberculosis

5.Contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) control through expertise in epidemiological surveillance, outbreak investigation, and infection prevention strategies at the national level

Info: 【Co-Chair of the Antimicrobial Resistance Working Group within the World Medical Association Junior Doctors Network】This talk will highlight AMR as a global priority, emphasizing its threat to health security, health systems, and everyday medical care. It will frame AMR as both a medical and governance challenge that requires coordinated action across human health, animal health, food systems, and the environment.

It will also explore the value of youth engagement in raising awareness, supporting community education, and advocating for stronger policy commitments. Youth-led organizations can help translate complex AMR issues into accessible messages and mobilize broader participation.

Finally, the talk will discuss how youth can move from engagement to impact through policy participation, cross-sectoral collaboration, advocacy campaigns, and practical local AMR initiatives.

Info: 【Youth Engagement Consultant at ReAct Asia Pacific】This talk will explore how young people can harness their potential together in the fight against AMR by using their strengths, building knowledge, and turning awareness into meaningful action. It will highlight how youth can contribute through advocacy, education, community engagement, policy discussions, and collaboration with health professionals, institutions, and international organizations. The talk will also address common barriers that limit youth engagement, such as lack of opportunities, confidence, resources, mentorship, or clear direction. It will provide practical ways to overcome these challenges, helping young people take more active roles in AMR action and contribute more effectively to global health change.

Info: 【Division Director, Division of Infection Control and Biosaftey, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control】AMR is a growing global challenge that requires coordinated, cross-sectoral governance across human health, animal health, food systems, and the environment. This talk will examine key issues in global AMR governance, including surveillance, prevention, responsible antimicrobial use, policy coordination, and international collaboration. It will also introduce Taiwan’s strategic response through a national action plan starting in 2025, and discuss how youth engagement can support awareness, advocacy, community mobilization, and policy dialogue to strengthen national and global health security.

Info: “From Voice to Action: Youth in Global Health and AMR Governance”

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