Youth Health

Apr 17

Young lives face rising risks and remain underserved globally.

Over 1.5 million adolescents and young adults die each year—many from preventable causes. Risks such as mental health challenges, violence, substance use, and early pregnancy often begin early in life and have long-term effects.

Insights

Political: Rights-based frameworks call for adolescent-responsive health systems, but gaps remain in policy implementation, especially regarding mental health, sexual health, and violence prevention.

Economic: Adolescent deaths and long-term disability represent significant lost productivity. Early investment in adolescent health—particularly for girls—has high social and economic returns.

Social: Stigma, discrimination, and gender norms limit access to care and protection. Youth in humanitarian settings, minorities, and girls face compounded risks.

Technological: Digital health tools offer promise for youth engagement and mental health support, but disparities in access and digital literacy persist.

Legal: Global agreements recognize adolescents’ rights to health, education, and protection, but weak enforcement and limited youth involvement hinder effective implementation.

Environmental: Young people face growing exposure to environmental hazards—from air pollution to unsafe water—which interact with existing health vulnerabilities.

Reflective Questions

How might we co-create youth-centered health systems that protect, empower and respond to adolescent realities?
What innovations can bridge access gaps in mental health, substance use, and sexual and reproductive health for marginalized youth?
How can coalitions better address the environmental, digital, and social determinants of adolescent well-being?