Inspiring Hope for the Future: Youth as Catalysts for Vaccine Equity
By Abia Chowdhury
This submission is part of a series by McGill students who were in the Fall 2024 course, Fundamentals of Global Health.
Global health faces a monumental challenge: the persistent and glaring disparity in vaccine access. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed this inequity in sharp relief, as only 30% of the population from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is fully vaccinated against COVID, and 70% of the population from high-income countries (HICs) is fully vaccinated (Maddalena Ferranna, 2023). LMICs vaccination rate faced staggering shortages while HICs secured doses far beyond their populations’ needs. This disparity is not new; it reflects long-standing systemic inequalities in global health. How our governments have handled the global vaccine distribution has many concerned.
Amid this crisis and the rising of future health crises like Mpox, the following question arises: How can we instill hope in global vaccination equity. The answer lies in empowering the youth, with the vision, energy, and determination to dismantle inequities and build a fairer future, starting with vaccine equity.
The Current Landscape of Vaccine Inequality
Vaccine inequality has dire consequences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as of mid-2021, only 1% of people in low-income countries had received a single vaccine dose, while many high- income nations had vaccinated a more significant portions of their populations (Peano et al., 2023). This disparity reflects structural barriers in global health. Intellectual property laws contributed to delaying global access to vaccines by limiting generic production (Gold, 2022). There were logistical challenges in transporting vaccines to remote areas, which made the vaccine less accessible to the population from the Global South that lived in rural areas (World Health Organization, 2023). Inequitable global funding results in lower-income countries being uncapable to procure and manufacture their own tools to fight against COVID-19 (Pai, 2022). If funding, was more equitable, vaccine disparities could’ve been less significant between the Global North and the Global South.
The stakes are high. Beyond being a moral imperative, vaccine equity is essential for global stability. Pandemics do not respect borders, and inequitable distribution prolongs outbreaks, increases the likelihood of variants, and exacerbates economic and social divides.
Despite the enormity of the challenge, there is reason for hope. Young people, who make up a significant share of the global population, especially in low- and middle-income countries, hold immense potential to reshape this narrative.
Projected Youth Population by World Regions in 2025 (Radhakrishna & Ingram, 2005).
Voices of a Determined Generation
The voices of the youth across the globe are growing louder, calling out the inequities in the vaccination system. Their message is clear: the status quo is not acceptable. Upon interviewing a few youths, here are the key statements that resurfaced:
“My cousin back home in Lebanon had a lung disease and that put her at a greater risk for COVID -19 complications, but there weren’t enough vaccines. She only received her first dose in December 2021, while I have gotten mine in April 2021 […] This was really an eye-opening moment for me, making me realize how vaccine distribution around the world is so unfair and how humanity had failed us.” Said Rita Haddad, a 21-year-old student from McGill University.
“My family and I used to constantly watch the news and the live COVID-19 updates […] That’s when I realized that the high death rates related to COVID-19 could’ve been avoided in so many countries if the resources were distributed differently […] I still can’t believe that we let this happen, but I know that our generation will fight to do better.” Stated Maude Poupart, a 22-year- old student from Université de Montréal.
“I came to Montreal for university in January 2020, leaving my entire family in Bangladesh. By July 2021, I had received two doses of COVID-19 vaccines, whereas my family had not even received one yet. There was little to no resources that was being provided to Bangladesh. I was looking into different organizations like the World Health Organization to see if I could help in any sort of way.” Commented Aisha Begum, a 24-year-old student from McGill University.
“When I first heard about Mpox, I knew I didn’t want our governments to repeat the same mistakes that they did during the COVID-19 outbreak. I contacted my local member of the parliament and looked into different organizations that were also fighting for proper vaccination distribution. […] No matter how bad or mild the outcome of this outbreak would be, I knew I had to try my best to make sure we don’t fail lower incomed countries.” Declared Malak Bouachrine, a 20-year-old student from Université de Montréal.
These expressions of discontent are not mere complaints; they are declarations of hope. Young people are not just pointing out the flaws, they are determined to lead for systemic change to achieve equity.
Why Youth Are Key to Change
The youth have consistently proven their ability to lead transformative movements. The fight for vaccine equity is no different. The youth have unique attributes like adaptability, technological fluency, and innovation, which makes them pivotal players in this global battle.
Harnessing Demographic Power
Youth constitute a significant portion of the global population, particularly in regions most affected by vaccine inequity. For instance, nearly 60% of Africa’s population is under 25 (Chido Mpemba et al., 2023). This demographic advantage represents a massive potential force for advocacy and systemic change in global health. When mobilized, young people can form a critical mass capable of pressuring governments, corporations, and international organizations to prioritize equitable vaccine access.
For example, grassroots youth-led organizations in Africa have organized nationwide vaccination awareness campaigns targeting rural and underserved populations. These efforts have increased vaccine uptake and countered misinformation, proving the potential of youth-led mobilization.
Innovating Solutions to Complex Challenges
Youth are natural innovators, unafraid to challenge outdated systems and propose bold alternatives. In regions with limited access to vaccines, young entrepreneurs addressed logistical barriers through groundbreaking projects. For example, in Kenya, a group of engineering students developed low-cost solar-powered cold storage units that could keep vaccines viable in remote areas without reliable electricity and mobile apps that track vaccine distribution in real time (Introducing Solar-Powered Vaccine Refrigerator and Freezer Systems, 2015). These innovations address logistical challenges and make vaccination campaigns more efficient and accessible to rural clinics where cold storage was previously unavailable.
Through initiatives like this, young people can continue to develop sustainable, scalable solutions to global health challenges, like vaccine equity.
Building Alliances with Established Organizations
Collaboration is crucial to systemic change, and young people increasingly recognize the power of forging alliances with established organizations. By working with organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi, and local NGOs, youth-led movements can amplify their impact.
An example of this synergy is the collaboration between Global Youth Mobilization (GYM) and the World Health Organization (WHO) (We Want to Be Heard, We Want to Be Part of the Process- Young People Call on Governments and Businesses to Prioritise Youth in Response to Impact of COVID-19 at Global Youth Summit, 2021). GYM is a youth-led initiative that worked alongside the WHO to create community-driven solutions addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This partnership enabled youth advocates to access funding, mentorship, and a global platform, amplifying their campaigns for vaccine equity and health awareness. Through joint workshops and advocacy events, young leaders were able to influence key stakeholders while showcasing their initiatives.
Another example is the youth activists from the People’s Vaccine Alliance who have worked with established organizations like Oxfam and Amnesty International to demand greater transparency from pharmaceutical companies and equitable vaccine distribution. By leveraging the resources of these larger entities, such as access to global media and legal expertise, youth campaigns gained international visibility, turning their localized efforts into global movements. The combined effort of joint campaigns between youth activists and established institutions helped in the temporary suspensions of some patent protections, enabling increased vaccine production in LMICs.
Advocating for Policy Change
The youth are not only leading community efforts, but are also influencing policies that shape vaccine access and distribution. From pushing for intellectual property waivers on vaccines to demanding greater funding for global health initiatives, young activists can help shape a more equitable future. Their ability to connect across borders and cultures makes them key players in advocating for systemic reforms in global health governance.
An example is the young activists from the People’s Vaccine Alliance, who have been instrumental in pushing for intellectual property (IP) waivers on COVID-19 vaccines. The alliance advocated for temporary suspensions of patent protections to allow certain countries to manufacture their own COVID-19 vaccines. Youth voices amplified this message through social media, petitions, and virtual protests, building public pressure on governments and corporations. The resolution was allowed, and that decision marked a significant step toward addressing vaccine inequities and highlighted the power of youth-led advocacy.
Internationally, young leaders have participated in forums such as the Youth Pre-Conference of the World Health Summit, where they presented actionable recommendations for equitable vaccine access. These forums provided direct channels for young advocates to engage with policymakers and influence global health priorities (World Health Summit, 2019).
Connectivity and Digital Activism
Today’s youth are the most interconnected generation in history. Social media platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram enable them to raise awareness, share stories, and coordinate advocacy campaigns on a global scale. Movements like #VaccinateTheWorld and #NoOneLeftBehind have gained momentum because of the reach of young digital activists.
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, GYM's youth members leveraged social media campaigns to amplify calls for vaccine equity, demanding greater transparency in vaccine pricing and distribution by pharmaceutical companies (We Want to Be Heard, We Want to Be Part of the Process - Young People Call on Governments and Businesses to Prioritise Youth in Response to Impact of COVID-19 at Global Youth Summit, 2021).
Another example is the People’s Vaccine Alliance Youth which has been vocal on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, pushing pharmaceutical giants to share vaccine technology and waive intellectual property rights to ensure wider access in low-income countries (Why We Need a People’s Vaccine, 2022). For instance, in 2021, they organized a Global Day of Action, using hashtags like #FreeTheVaccine to mobilize millions online and urge the World Trade Organization to adopt the waiver proposal.
A Generation of Hope
The youth remind the world that the future of vaccine equity lies in their hands. They are not just observers of systemic injustice; they are active participants in the fight for change. Their voices, innovations, and actions are catalysts for awareness and offer a glimpse of hope in global health challenges. By supporting and empowering this generation, through education, resources, and platforms for collaboration, we can ensure their potential is fully realized. The resilience and determination of young people are powerful forces, capable of driving systemic change that benefits everyone. Together, we can build a world where vaccine equity is no longer an aspiration but a lived reality, a world where no one is excluded from lifesaving care because of their geography, income, or circumstances. It is a vision driven by the unyielding spirit of youth, who refuse to accept anything less than fairness and dignity for all. By standing with them, supporting their efforts, and amplifying their voices, we can turn this vision into a legacy of hope and justice for generations to come.
References
Chido Mpemba, Chido Munyati, & World Economic Forum. (2023, August 16). How will Africa’s youth population drive global growth? World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/08/africa-youth-global-growth-digital-economy/
Gold, E. R. (2022). What the COVID-19 pandemic revealed about intellectual property. Nature Biotechnology, 40(10), 1428–1430. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41587-022-01485-x
World Health Organization. (2015). Introducing Solar-Powered Vaccine Refrigerator and Freezer Systems. https://extranet.who.int/prequal/sites/default/files/document_files/Introducing%20solar- powered%20vaccine%20refrigerator%20and%20freezer%20systems.pdf
Maddalena Ferranna. (2023). Causes and costs of global COVID-19 vaccine inequity. Seminars in Immunopathology, 45. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00281-023-00998-0
Pai, N. A. S.-A., Boghuma Kabisen Titanji, Fredros Okumu, Madhukar. (2022, March 4). The Pandemic Is Following a Very Predictable and Depressing Pattern. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2022/03/pandemic-global-south-disease-health-crisis/624179/
Peano, A., Politano, G., & Maria Michela Gianino. (2023). Determinants of COVID-19 vaccination worldwide: WORLDCOV, a retrospective observational study. Frontiers in Public Health, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1128612
Radhakrishna, R. B., & Ingram, P. D. (2005). Youth in the Developing World: Implication for Research in International Agriculturaland Extension Education. Research Gate; Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267547288_Youth_in_the_Developing_World_ Implication_for_Research_in_International_Agricultural_and_Extension_Education
Global Youth Mobilization. (2021). We want to Be Heard, we want to be part of the process - Young People Call on Governments and Businesses to Prioritise Youth in Response to Impact of COVID-19 at Global Youth Summit. https://globalyouthmobilization.org/2021/04/26/we-want-to-be-heard-we-want-to-be- part-of-the-process-young-people-call-on-governments-and-businesses-to-priortise- youth-in-response-to-impact-of-covid-19-at-global-youth/
Oxfam International. (2022, May 25). Why we need a People’s Vaccine. https://www.oxfam.org/en/take-action/campaigns/covid-19-vaccine/about
World Health Organization. (2023). Addressing health inequities among people living in rural and remote areas. Who.int. https://www.who.int/activities/addressing-health-inequities- among-people-living-in-rural-and-remote-areas
World Health Summit. (2019). World Health Summit. https://www.worldhealthsummit.org/
Abia Chowdhury is a Kinesiology major at McGill University with a passion for global health. She is particularly interested in advancing equity in vaccine and medication distribution and aspires to contribute meaningfully to both the medical field and global health initiatives.