The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a powerful call for increased investment to meet the pressing mental, sexual, and reproductive health needs of nearly 1.3 billion adolescents worldwide.
In a new scientific publication, the WHO underscores that adolescence—a critical stage of human development—presents a pivotal opportunity to lay long-term foundations for good health. The publication was launched alongside the United Nations’ Summit of the Future, emphasizing that addressing adolescent health risks now is essential for global social and economic stability.
ADOLESCENCE: A CRUCIAL PHASE IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Adolescence, defined as the age range of 10-19 years, is a period marked by significant physical, emotional, and social changes. It’s a time when lifelong habits are formed, and health trajectories are set. Yet, without proper support, adolescents face a range of challenges that threaten their well-being, including mental disorders, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and violence.
Mental Health Crisis Among Adolescents
One of the most alarming trends highlighted by the report is the mental health crisis among young people. The WHO reveals that 1 in 7 adolescents globally suffers from a mental disorder, with depression and anxiety being particularly common. Without intervention, these conditions can have lasting impacts on their overall well-being and future prospects.
SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CHALLENGES
The WHO also points to significant challenges in adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Rising rates of STIs, such as syphilis, chlamydia, and genital herpes, are of particular concern, with long-term consequences if left untreated. Additionally, anaemia remains prevalent among adolescent girls, showing no significant improvement since 2010.
Barriers to Accessing Care
Alarmingly, access to sexual and reproductive health services is under threat. Restrictive age of consent policies and a growing backlash against gender equality are limiting young people’s ability to seek out necessary care, including HIV testing and STI services. This trend, the WHO warns, marginalizes adolescents and discourages them from seeking the help they need.
VIOLENCE: A MAJOR THREAT TO ADOLESCENT HEALTH
The report also highlights the impact of violence, including bullying, which affects millions of young people each year. Violence not only damages physical health but also takes a heavy toll on mental well-being, compounding the existing challenges adolescents face. Tackling violence is crucial for protecting young people and improving their overall quality of life.
A CALL TO ADDRESS BROADER GLOBAL CHALLENGES
Beyond individual health risks, the publication emphasizes broader global challenges that threaten the future of adolescents. Climate change, conflict, and inequality disproportionately affect young people, placing them in vulnerable positions and complicating their ability to lead healthy lives. These issues require urgent action at both national and global levels.
POSITIVE TRENDS AMIDST THE CHALLENGES
Despite the grim statistics, the WHO highlights that progress is possible with the right investments. Notable improvements in adolescent HIV rates and declines in adolescent pregnancy have been achieved through sustained efforts. Harmful practices, including female genital mutilation and early marriage, have also decreased in some regions.
In addition, the report points to a strong link between educational attainment and positive health outcomes. Since 2000, the number of secondary-school-age children out of school has dropped by nearly 30%, particularly benefiting girls, who now have greater opportunities to stay in school and delay marriage and childbirth.
ECONOMIC AND MORAL IMPERATIVE FOR ACTION
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stressed the urgency of addressing adolescent health challenges: “Promoting and protecting the health and rights of young people is essential to building a better future for our world. Failing to address the health threats that adolescents face will have serious consequences, both for young people and for society as a whole.”
Long-term Economic Costs
The publication outlines the economic implications of inaction. Without adequate investment in adolescent health, the long-term costs associated with poor mental health, preventable diseases, and complications from STIs will continue to rise. This will not only place a financial burden on healthcare systems but also hinder global economic growth as future generations are unable to fully realize their potential.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING ADOLESCENT HEALTH
The authors of the WHO report emphasize that with the right investments, there is significant potential to improve adolescent health outcomes. Key recommendations include:
Enacting Supportive Laws and Policies
Governments must implement and enforce laws and policies that protect adolescent health and ensure their access to necessary services. This includes sexual and reproductive health rights, mental health support, and violence prevention programs.
Strengthening Health Systems
Healthcare systems need to become more responsive to adolescents’ unique needs. This requires training healthcare professionals to work effectively with young people, making services more youth-friendly, and ensuring that mental health care, sexual health services, and nutrition are prioritized.
Prioritizing Youth Engagement
Young people must be at the forefront of efforts to improve adolescent health. By engaging and empowering adolescents in policy discussions, research, and program development, governments and organizations can create solutions that truly meet their needs. As Rajat Khosla, Executive Director of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, stated: “Leaders must listen to what young people want and ensure they are active partners and decision-makers.”
GLOBAL COMMITMENTS TO PROTECT ADOLESCENT HEALTH
Earlier this year, world leaders committed to accelerating efforts to improve maternal, newborn, and adolescent health at the World Health Assembly. These commitments align with the UN’s Pact for the Future, which outlines a roadmap for improving the health and well-being of adolescents worldwide.
The WHO report serves as a reminder that while progress has been made, much more work remains. By prioritizing investment in education, healthcare, and nutrition, and by creating policies that safeguard the rights of adolescents, the world can make significant strides in improving their futures.
