According to a new report released by the World Health Organization (WHO), at least one in seven adolescents worldwide suffers from a mental disorder, with rising rates of depression and anxiety. The report was unveiled at the United Nations’ Summit of the Future on September 23, 2024, highlighting an urgent need for increased global investment in adolescent health services, particularly in mental health and sexual and reproductive health for the nearly 1.3 billion adolescents aged 10-19.
“Promoting and protecting the health and rights of young people is essential to building a better future for our world,” stated WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus. “Conversely, failing to address the health threats that adolescents face—some longstanding, some emerging—will not only have serious and life-threatening consequences for young people themselves but will create spiraling economic costs for societies.”
The report outlines several alarming health trends affecting adolescents globally. While the prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls remains similar to levels recorded in 2010, close to one in ten adolescents are now classified as obese. Additionally, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis and chlamydia, are on the rise. The WHO warns that untreated STIs can have lifelong impacts on health.
“Adolescents are powerful and incredibly creative forces for good when they are able to shape the agenda for their well-being and their future,” remarked Rajat Khosla, Executive Director of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH), which co-hosted the event where the report was launched. “Leaders must listen to what young people want and ensure they are active partners and decision-makers. They are critical for the world’s future social, economic, and political stability, and if given the platform they need, they can help make a better and healthier world possible for everyone.”
The report also addresses the broader risks facing adolescents today, including climate change, conflict, and inequality. The WHO warns that efforts to restrict adolescents’ access to sexual and reproductive health care, as well as comprehensive sexuality education, are gaining momentum. Restrictive age-of-consent policies are limiting access to STI and HIV services, which can lead to marginalized youth, reducing their likelihood of seeking essential healthcare and potentially worsening health outcomes.
Despite the concerning trends, the WHO also highlighted areas of progress. Adolescent HIV infections have significantly decreased due to coordinated global efforts, and harmful practices like female genital mutilation and early marriage have seen a decline. Moreover, the number of secondary-school-age children out of school has dropped by nearly 30% since 2000, contributing to improved health outcomes, especially for girls.
Earlier this year, at the World Health Assembly, world leaders committed to accelerating efforts to improve maternal and child health, including adolescent health. These commitments, alongside those outlined in the UN’s Pact for the Future, will be crucial in securing the health and well-being of current and future generations.
The WHO’s latest report reinforces the call for immediate investment in services and programs that protect adolescent health, including healthcare, education, and nutrition.
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