The new analysis from the second Lancet Commission on adolescent health and well-being paints a concerning picture for the future of over 1 billion adolescents worldwide. Despite some progress in areas like education and reduction of tobacco and alcohol use, there are still persistent health threats facing adolescents such as HIV/AIDS, early pregnancy, mental health issues, and poor nutrition.
Commission co-chair, Professor Sarah Baird, emphasizes the need for increased investment in adolescent health and well-being to address these challenges. She highlights the importance of initiatives that promote health in schools, ensure universal access to healthcare for adolescents, and involve young people in creating social and community changes.
The COVID-19 pandemic and a lack of funding have hindered progress in adolescent health, with new projections indicating that without intervention, there will still be over 1 billion adolescents living in countries with health threats by 2030.
Critical areas such as anemia, mental health, and obesity show limited progress, with projections suggesting a significant increase in the number of adolescents affected by these issues by 2030. Additionally, new threats like climate change and the digital transition pose significant challenges to adolescent health and well-being.
The Commission calls for increased funding and targeted interventions to address adolescent health, highlighting the need for global and national leadership, governance, and accountability in this area. The involvement of youth commissioners in shaping the Commission’s work and engaging with young people globally is seen as a crucial step in addressing adolescent health challenges.
Youth Commissioner Dr. Shakira Choonara stresses the importance of investing in and empowering young people to become active citizens and agents of change. Through meaningful engagement and collaboration, the next generation can build a healthier and more resilient future.
The Commission’s findings and recommendations are detailed in a recent publication in The Lancet, offering a comprehensive call to action for addressing adolescent health and well-being. The insights and solutions presented in the report aim to guide policymakers, healthcare professionals, and communities in improving the health outcomes of adolescents worldwide.
