YOUTH ADVOCATES FOR GLOBAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The book will be released on October 1st, 2025
GLOBAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES: INTERVIEWS WITH LEADING HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS brings together the insights, experiences, and innovations of healthcare leaders from around the world. Spanning disciplines such as dentistry, medicine, surgery, mental health, and youth-led advocacy, this book explores the challenges and opportunities in advancing global health. Through seven compelling chapters, readers will discover the importance of equity, preventive care, holistic wellness, and innovation in creating healthier communities. From evolving principles of dentistry to climate-conscious health advocacy, groundbreaking surgical techniques, and cardiovascular initiatives, each chapter offers a unique perspective on how collaboration and compassion can transform lives.
All proceeds from this book will be donated to Doctors Without Borders (MSF), supporting frontline healthcare around the globe. By reading Global Health Perspectives, you are not only learning from leading experts but also contributing to a movement for a healthier, more equitable world.
Humanitarian volunteering in Africa
Medical & Dental INTERNSHIPS in Dominican Republic
INTERNATIONAL HEALTH ALLIANCE (IHA)
International Health Alliance (IHA): Offers internships and professional training to help participants build experience and knowledge in healthcare careers, with an emphasis on passion for medicine or dentistry and humanitarian service.
Our Team
Founder and President - Jonathan Weng
Founder and President - Jonathan Weng
Founder and President - Jonathan Weng
Jonathan Weng, a high school student, is an NREMT-certified EMT in the USA and a certified Emergency Medical Responder in Canada. He is passionate about global health and emergency medicine and has authored multiple research articles on global health topics.
As founder and president of Youth Advocates for Global Health Association (YAGHA), Jonathan promotes global healthcare equity. Since age 15, he has participated annually in humanitarian medical missions in Kenya and volunteered in Peru and Canada, including with St. John Ambulance Division 1307 in Vancouver, BC. He also applies his piano skills through Music Bridge Foundation Canada, organizing fundraising concerts to support healthcare and community initiatives.
Jonathan is president of his school’s STEM Club and has presented research projects at the Genius Olympiad and Science Olympiad. He holds a patent for the Innovative Telehealth Ecosystem, designed to improve healthcare access in remote regions. Trained in Taekwondo for over ten years, he earned a competitive black belt, developing resilience, discipline, patience, and empathy. He aims to further his medical knowledge and ultimately work with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) to contribute to improving healthcare access and equity in underserved regions.
Vice President - Matthew Yu
Founder and President - Jonathan Weng
Founder and President - Jonathan Weng
Matthew Yu is a senior student driven by a passion for political science and public health policy. A Canadian high school public speaking champion and top-four national debater, he ardently uses his voice to advocate for equity in healthcare systems worldwide, interviewing leaders such as the Provincial Health Officer to promote pandemic safety as a CBC Kids News reporter. His current research examines state-sponsored cyber attacks and their devastating effects on key infrastructure and public health, emphasizing the need for global cooperation and robust frameworks.
As a President of his school’s Law and Government Club at school, Matthew empowers informed civic engagement through respectful debate, dialogue, and political literacy, inspiring students to engage critically with pressing global issues.
Beyond academics, Matthew showcases his musical talents as a Young Steinway Artist, gracefully glides across the ice as a nationally ranked figure skater, and channels his inner warrior as a competitive karate fighter. His work has been featured in media outlets, such as CBC, OMNI TV, and The Vancouver Sun.
With his diverse skill set and positive outlook on life, Matthew aspires to shape the future of policy in the medical field and beyond.
logistics coordinator - Radin Seifpoor
Founder and President - Jonathan Weng
Director of Medical Outreach based in Australia - Eric Kang
Radin Seifpoor is a dedicated student with strong academic performance and a passion for healthcare. A talented football player, Radin balances his athletic commitments with his academic pursuits, demonstrating discipline and determination in both areas.
He is deeply committed to making a positive impact on society and is actively involved in community service. As a member of YAGHA, Radin contributes his energy and enthusiasm toward addressing global challenges, reflecting his genuine care for others and his aspiration to create a better world through education, health advocacy, and public service.
Director of Medical Outreach based in Australia - Eric Kang
Director of Medical Outreach based in Australia - Eric Kang
Director of Medical Outreach based in Australia - Eric Kang
Eric Kang is a dedicated medical student at UNSW in Sydney, Australia. Inspired by his father, a respected neurosurgeon and professor, Eric is committed to making meaningful contributions to the medical field.
He began his journey into medicine at a young age, volunteering as a guide and assistant for healthcare workers in hospitals. There, he helped individuals with mobility issues, conducted surveys, communicated with those with speech impediments, and supported patients with mental and physical illnesses, honing his resilience, empathy, and communication skills. Eric's dedication to volunteering earned him recognition from the Mayor of Burnaby, BC, Canada, Mike Hurley, and the WS Immigrant & Multicultural Services Society.
Passionate about medicine, Eric aims to specialize in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) and aspires to become a skilled cardiothoracic surgeon,advancing surgical techniques and improving patient outcomes.
Community Leader based in Kenya - David Lusakha
Director of Medical Outreach based in Australia - Eric Kang
Community Leader based in Kenya - David Lusakha
David Lusakha is a senior in college and the Director of Meal Mission Hub, a non-governmental organization based in Kenya that focuses on cultural development, agricultural advancement, and health and nutrition. He founded Meal Mission Hub to address the pressing needs of vulnerable communities, collaborating with various partners to enhance nutrition and well-being across the region.
As the Community Leader for the Youth Advocates for Global Health Association (YAGHA) in Kenya, David plays a crucial role in implementing initiatives centered on sustainable development and equitable access to nutritional resources. His close collaboration with YAGHA, which is recognized for supporting community-led efforts, ensures that essential resources and assistance flow into Meal Mission Hub's impactful programs. David is dedicated to empowering youth and fostering community resilience through innovative agricultural practices and health education.
David's mission focuses on agricultural development, sustainable nutrition supply, and providing support to those in need, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to improving lives and fostering growth in underserved communities.
Volunteer - Cindy Liang
Director of Medical Outreach based in Australia - Eric Kang
Community Leader based in Kenya - David Lusakha
Cindy Liang is passionate about the medical field and actively engages in science classes and healthcare-related extracurricular activities. As a volunteer at the Youth Advocates for Global Health Association (YAGHA), she is dedicated to promoting global health awareness and making a positive impact in the community. Cindy values learning, service, and contributing to meaningful initiatives in healthcare.
