WHO calls for increased investment in adolescent health

The World Health Organisation (WHO), has called for increased investment to address evolving health risks and meet the mental, sexual, and reproductive health needs of nearly 1.3 billion adolescents worldwide.

The organisation said that the called was according to a new scientific publication released by WHO.

Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, said promoting and protecting the health and rights of young people was crucial for building a better future.

He warned that failing to address health threats faced by adolescents would have severe consequences, including spiralling economic costs for societies.

According to him, a recent scientific publication by WHO highlights troubling trends in adolescent health, including mental health.

“One in seven adolescents globally suffers from mental disorders, with high rates of depression and anxiety.

“Anaemia among adolescent girls remains prevalent, at levels similar to those in 2010, while close to 1 in 10 adolescents are obese.

“Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including syphilis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes that commonly occur among youth are rising.

“If left untreated, can have lifelong implications for health,’’ he said.

The WHO boss said that meanwhile violence, including bullying, affects millions of young people worldwide each year, with devastating impacts on their physical and mental health.

“Attempts to roll-back adolescents’ access to sexual and reproductive health care and comprehensive sexuality education have escalated amidst a growing backlash against gender equality and human rights.

“Restrictive age of consent policies are limiting their access to STI and HIV services.

“Such measures can marginalise young people, reduce health-seeking behaviour, and lead to lasting negative health impacts,” he said.

According to him, the study emphasises other broader fundamental challenges to the future of adolescents including climate change, conflict, and inequality.

He said that the authors also highlighted that gains were possible with the right investment and support.

“Adolescent HIV infections have declined, due to coordinated and persistent efforts in this area.

“Adolescent pregnancy and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and early marriage have reduced.

“In addition, many positive trends in health outcomes are linked to more time in school, especially for girls; since 2000, the number of secondary-school-age children out of school decreased by nearly 30 per cent,’’ Ghebreyesus said.

To address these challenges, WHO recommends investing in adolescent health and well-being, focusing on education, healthcare, and nutrition.

The organisation calls for enacting laws and policies protecting adolescent health and rights, making health systems more responsive to adolescents’ needs, and prioritising youth engagement and empowerment.