The health and well-being of adolescents around the world are facing significant challenges, according to a new analysis from the second Lancet Commission on adolescent health and well-being. By 2030, it is estimated that over 1 billion adolescents aged 10–24 years will still be living in countries where preventable and treatable health problems such as HIV/AIDS, early pregnancy, unsafe sex, depression, poor nutrition, and injury pose a threat to their overall health and well-being.
Commission co-chair, Professor Sarah Baird from George Washington University in the U.S., emphasizes the importance of investing in adolescent health and well-being to safeguard our collective future. While there have been improvements in reducing tobacco and alcohol use and increasing education participation, challenges such as rising rates of overweight and obesity, poor mental health, and the impact of global issues like climate change and digital transitions are putting adolescents at risk.
The analysis reveals insufficient and uneven progress in addressing adolescent health issues. Despite some improvements in education and reducing smoking rates globally, the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of funding have hindered progress in many areas of adolescent health. The Commission estimates that there will still be over 1 billion adolescents living in countries where health threats persist by 2030 if adequate measures are not taken.
Critical areas such as adolescent anemia, mental health disorders, and obesity show limited progress, with projections indicating concerning trends for the future. The Commission highlights the need for targeted attention to the needs of adolescents in Africa, as the continent’s share of global adolescents is expected to increase significantly by 2100.
New threats to adolescent health, including climate change and the digital transition, are also identified by the Commission. Climate change is expected to have a profound impact on adolescent mental health, with rising temperatures and environmental changes posing risks to their well-being. The digital world offers new opportunities for adolescents, but concerns about the impact on their development and well-being remain.
To address adolescent health and well-being effectively, the Commission emphasizes the need for increased funding and targeted interventions. Current funding levels are not proportionate to the magnitude of the challenge, with only 2.4% of global aid allocated to adolescent health and well-being. The Commission calls for greater investments in adolescent health, citing the positive returns on investments in this age group compared to other population segments.
The Commission’s approach includes meaningful engagement of adolescents and youth at every stage, with ten diverse Youth Commissioners co-leading the efforts. Youth Solution Labs have been instrumental in identifying key priorities and developing actionable recommendations by engaging adolescents from around the world.
Youth Commissioner Dr. Shakira Choonara emphasizes the importance of investing in and engaging with the younger generation to build a healthier and more empowered future. The Commission’s findings and recommendations aim to address the multifaceted challenges faced by adolescents and pave the way for a sustainable and equitable future.
In conclusion, the Lancet Commission’s analysis underscores the urgent need to prioritize adolescent health and well-being globally. By investing in targeted interventions, engaging adolescents in decision-making processes, and addressing emerging threats, we can create a healthier and more equitable future for young people worldwide.
