Essential, but under-recognised!

One in every five people in the world is an adolescent, and 85 percent of them live in developing countries. Nearly two thirds of premature deaths and one third of the total disease burden in adults are associated with conditions or behaviours that began in youth, including tobacco use, lack of physical activity, unprotected sex or exposure to violence. Promoting healthy practices during adolescence, and efforts that better protect this age group from risks will ensure longer, more productive lives for a future nation.
Adolescents (aged 10 to 19 years) have specific health and development needs, and many face challenges that hinder their well being, including poverty, lack of access to health information and services, and unsafe environments.
Interventions that address their needs can save lives and foster a new generation of productive adults who can help their communities progress. Young people aged 15-24 accounted for an estimated 45 percent of new HIV infections worldwide in 2007. They need to know how to protect themselves from HIV and have the means to do so.
Many boys and girls in developing countries enter adolescence undernourished, making them more vulnerable to disease and early death. Conversely, overweight and obesity - another form of malnutrition with serious health consequences — is increasing among other young people in both low- and high-income countries.
The vast majority of births by adolescent girls occur in developing countries. The risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes is much higher for adolescents than for older women. At least 20 percent of young people will experience some form of mental illness — such as depression, mood disturbances, substance abuse, suicidal behaviours or eating disorders. Promoting mental health, and responding to problems if they arise requires a range of adolescent-friendly health care and counselling services in communities.
Among 15-19 year olds, suicide is the second leading cause of death, followed by violence in the community and family. Promoting nurturing relations between parents and children early in life, training in life skills is necessary.
Injury rates among adolescents are highest in developing countries, and within countries, they are more likely to occur among adolescents from poorer families. Community actions to promote road safety and public education targeted to young people on how to avoid drowning, burns and falls can reduce injuries.
Many adolescent health challenges are closely interrelated and successful interventions in one area can lead to positive outcomes in other areas. Experts urged to develop adolescent friendly health system and evidence-based policies and programmes that support adolescent health.

Source: World Health Organisation