The health and well-being of adolescents today are foundational to the future of societies worldwide. Adolescence, defined as the phase between 10 and 19 years, is a critical developmental stage marked by physical, emotional, and social transformations. Investing in adolescent health not only ensures healthier individuals but also supports broader societal and economic stability. However, new challenges and persistent disparities emphasize the need for urgent, focused interventions, as outlined in a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report.
The WHO publication highlights alarming statistics that underscore the challenges adolescents encounter globally. Mental health disorders affect at least one in seven adolescents, with depression and anxiety being particularly prevalent. Rising rates of obesity, persistent anemia among adolescent girls, and increasing incidences of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like syphilis and chlamydia further compound the crisis. These health issues often carry lifelong consequences if left untreated.
Equally concerning is the widespread prevalence of violence, including bullying, which leaves a lasting impact on adolescents’ physical and mental well-being. The situation is exacerbated by restrictive policies that hinder young people’s access to critical sexual and reproductive health services. Measures such as age-of-consent laws for STI and HIV treatment deter health-seeking behaviors, leaving many adolescents marginalized and vulnerable.
Beyond immediate health issues, adolescents face threats from broader global challenges. Climate change, ongoing conflicts, and deepening inequalities exacerbate vulnerabilities, particularly for adolescents in low- and middle-income countries. These structural challenges make it clear that securing adolescent health is not merely a healthcare issue but a multifaceted societal imperative.
Despite these challenges, there are notable achievements. Global efforts have led to declines in adolescent HIV infections, reductions in teenage pregnancies, and the curtailment of harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and early marriage. Education, especially for girls, has played a pivotal role in improving health outcomes. Since 2000, the number of secondary-school-age children out of school has decreased by nearly 30%, illustrating the transformative power of education.
WHO and its partners emphasize that investing in adolescent health is both a moral and economic necessity. This includes strengthening healthcare systems to address adolescents’ unique needs, enacting policies that protect their health rights, and fostering youth engagement in decision-making processes. By empowering young people and involving them in shaping programs and policies, societies can harness their creativity and resilience to drive positive change.
As Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, aptly stated, “Promoting and protecting the health and rights of young people is essential to building a better future for our world.” Investments in education, nutrition, and comprehensive health services are critical pillars of this effort. Addressing these needs will not only benefit adolescents but also ripple positively through future generations.
World leaders have committed to improving adolescent health as part of broader global health goals. Fulfillment of these commitments requires collaboration across governments, non-governmental organizations, and communities. Adolescents themselves must be central to this process, shaping the agenda for their well-being and future.
The stakes are high, but so are the rewards. Ensuring adolescents have the resources and support they need today lays the foundation for healthier, more equitable, and resilient societies tomorrow. The question is not whether we can afford to make this investment but whether we can afford not to.
