WHO Calls for Urgent Investment in Adolescent Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the critical need for increased investment in adolescent health, highlighting the challenges faced by nearly 1.3 billion adolescents aged 10-19 globally. In a recent publication launched during the UN’s Summit of the Future, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that promoting young people’s health and rights is essential for a better future.

Key findings reveal that one in seven adolescents suffers from mental disorders, with rising rates of obesity and sexually transmitted infections. Additionally, violence, including bullying, severely impacts their well-being.

The authors advocate for comprehensive policies that address education, healthcare, and nutrition, urging leaders to engage adolescents in decision-making processes. With the right support, significant improvements are possible, as evidenced by declines in adolescent HIV infections and early pregnancies. The WHO calls for immediate action to safeguard the health of current and future generations.