Luna Belza Garcia
Class of 2026Cheltenham, n/a
About
Hi! My name is Luna Belza Garcia, and I recently graduated from Cheltenham Ladies’ College in the UK, where I achieved 44/45 in the IB Diploma. I studied Higher Level Mathematics AA, Biology and Chemistry, and Standard Level English Literature, Economics and French B. This autumn, I will begin the five-year Direct Entry Medicine programme at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Dublin. Avian influenza, particularly the H5N1 strain, represents a critical intersection of biology, global economics, and public health. As a highly pathogenic virus with significant zoonotic potential, H5N1 poses not only a biological threat, but also a major economic burden, especially in regions where agriculture and poultry production are central to livelihoods and food security. This topic became especially meaningful to me through my IB Extended Essay, in which I explored Vietnam’s response to H5N1 and the factors shaping its containment strategies. I later expanded on this research through Polygence, exploring how differences in vaccination, surveillance, governance, compensation, and local economic conditions can shape the effectiveness of disease-control strategies. Through these experiences, I developed a strong interest in understanding disease beyond its biological mechanisms, particularly how public health policy, economic incentives, and healthcare systems influence real-world outcomes. As I begin medical school, I hope to continue exploring medicine from this interdisciplinary perspective and further develop my interests in research, public health, and emerging medical innovation.Projects
- "Divergent Paths to Containment: Comparing H5N1 Response Strategies in Vietnam and Thailand" with mentor Samir (Oct. 18, 2025)
Luna's Symposium Presentation
Project Portfolio
Divergent Paths to Containment: Comparing H5N1 Response Strategies in Vietnam and Thailand
Started June 27, 2025
Abstract or project description
Avian influenza A (H5N1) has imposed major public health and economic burdens since its emergence in Asia, yet national responses have varied widely. This study compares Vietnam and Thailand’s divergent containment strategies during the 2004–2005 outbreaks to examine how structural, economic, and political factors shaped outcomes. Vietnam adopted mass poultry vaccination combined with movement restrictions, reflecting its smallholder-dominated sector and priority on domestic food security. Thailand, by contrast, rejected vaccination in order to preserve export market access, instead relying on aggressive culling, intensive surveillance, and public education. Analysis of epidemiological data, poultry population trends, and policy measures demonstrates that Vietnam’s approach reduced visible outbreaks and supported rural livelihoods but sustained low-level virus circulation, while Thailand’s strategy was more disruptive initially yet eliminated reported human cases after 2005 and restored trade credibility. These findings show that H5N1 containment strategies are not universally transferable but depend on local realities, including industry structure, trade dependencies, governance capacity, and international engagement. Lessons from these cases underscore the importance of tailoring preparedness plans to national contexts as H5N1 and related zoonoses continue to circulate globally.