As a College Ambassador for United to Beat Malaria under the UN Foundation, I had the privilege of engaging with youth from across the country to explore innovative ways to combat malaria. I shared my insights on the importance of women's health, the protection of women and girls both globally and domestically, and the critical need for universal access to healthcare.

During the summit, I had the opportunity to deliver a speech on youth empowerment, reproductive health, and the urgent need to strengthen healthcare systems. Additionally, I reflected on my experiences as a youth delegate at UN summits, highlighting lessons learned from my international counterparts about the importance of women's rights and equitable access to healthcare.

Malaria remains a severe global health crisis, particularly affecting communities in Africa and worldwide, where many lack access to doctors and lifesaving treatment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were approximately 249 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2022, resulting in 608,000 deaths—most of whom were pregnant women. This underscores the urgent need to improve healthcare resources for women, as they are disproportionately vulnerable to the disease.

I was able to discuss these concerns with fellow advocates and congressional offices, emphasizing that even within the United States, many women face barriers to receiving proper healthcare due to financial constraints. This, in turn, increases their vulnerability to malaria and other preventable diseases.

As youth advocates, it is our responsibility to raise awareness about global health challenges and mobilize support for effective solutions. By empowering more young leaders to speak up and take action, we can drive meaningful change in global health advocacy. Beyond sharing insights, the summit provided a platform to connect with like-minded delegates, collaborate with NGOs, and develop new strategies to enhance health security and human rights worldwide.