By Ayomide Otitoju
Increased investment is urgently needed to address evolving health risks and meet the mental, sexual, and reproductive health needs of nearly 1.3 billion adolescents globally, according to a new publication from the World Health Organization (WHO). Adolescence, a critical period of physical, emotional, and social transition, is essential for building long-term health foundations.
“Promoting and protecting young people’s health and rights is crucial to creating a better future for the world,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Failure to address adolescent health threats—both longstanding and emerging—will result in severe consequences for youth and escalating economic costs for society. Investing in adolescent health services and programs is both a moral and economic necessity.”
The report, launched at a United Nations’ Summit of the Future event, highlights several alarming trends. Globally, at least 1 in 7 adolescents suffer from mental health disorders, with rising rates of depression and anxiety. Anemia in adolescent girls remains widespread, and nearly 1 in 10 adolescents are obese. Rising sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like syphilis, chlamydia, and genital herpes further underscore the need for action.
Violence, including bullying, continues to affect millions of young people each year, with significant impacts on their physical and mental health. Additionally, attempts to limit adolescents’ access to sexual and reproductive health services and education, exacerbated by restrictive age-of-consent policies, hinder health-seeking behavior and worsen long-term outcomes.
The study also highlights broader challenges like climate change, conflict, and inequality. However, it notes progress in some areas, such as declining adolescent HIV infections and reduced rates of adolescent pregnancy, female genital mutilation, and early marriage. Increased time in school, particularly for girls, is also linked to better health outcomes.
The report calls for increased investment in adolescent health, emphasizing the need for education, healthcare, and nutrition. It urges governments to implement laws that protect adolescent rights, ensure health services are responsive to their needs, and prioritize youth engagement in policymaking.
“Adolescents are powerful forces for good when given the opportunity to shape their future,” said Rajat Khosla, Executive Director of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (PMNCH). “Leaders must listen to young people and involve them as active partners in decision-making. They are crucial for the world’s social, economic, and political stability.”
World leaders have committed to accelerating efforts to improve maternal, child, and adolescent health, including through the UN’s Pact for the Future, to protect future generations.
