A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals a concerning trend: at least one in seven adolescents worldwide, aged 10-19, suffer from a mental disorder, with rising rates of depression and anxiety.
This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for increased global investment in adolescent health services, particularly in addressing mental health and sexual and reproductive health needs [no specific document ID, as this information comes from the user’s question].
The report, launched at the United Nations’ Summit of the Future on September 23, 2024, emphasizes that promoting and protecting young people’s health and rights is crucial for building a better future.
Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General, warned that failing to address the health threats adolescents face will have severe consequences, including spiraling economic costs for societies.
He stressed that investing in adolescent health is both a moral imperative and an economic necessity.
“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.
That makes investing in services and programs for adolescent health both a moral imperative and an economic no-brainier,” the WHO DG added.
The report highlights several troubling health trends affecting adolescents globally. For instance, while anemia among adolescent girls remains steady, obesity now affects close to 1 in 10 adolescents, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like syphilis and chlamydia are rising. Untreated STIs can have lifelong impacts on health.
Rajat Khosla, Executive Director of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH), emphasized the importance of listening to young people’s needs and ensuring they are active partners and decision-makers.
Adolescents face broader risks, including climate change, conflict, and inequality. Restrictive policies limiting access to sexual and reproductive health care and comprehensive sexuality education can further marginalize vulnerable youth, reducing their likelihood to seek essential healthcare. This, in turn, can worsen health outcomes.
The WHO’s report serves as a call to action, urging leaders to prioritize adolescent health and well-being. By investing in services and programs tailored to their needs, we can empower young people to shape their own agendas and create a better, healthier world for everyone.
1 in 7 Adolescents Worldwide Suffer from Mental Disorder – WHO
