Global Analysis Highlights Critical State of Adolescent Health at a Crossroads

A recent comprehensive analysis from the second Lancet Commission on adolescent health and well-being reveals that by 2030, over one billion adolescents aged 10–24 will continue to face significant health threats. These include preventable and treatable issues such as HIV/AIDS, early pregnancies, unsafe sexual practices, depression, poor nutrition, and injuries, particularly in countries plagued by health disparities. Despite some progress over the past few decades, challenges like rising obesity, mental health decline, and persistent health inequalities persist, further worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and insufficient funding.

Professor Sarah Baird of George Washington University emphasizes that while there has been some decline in tobacco and alcohol use and increased educational participation, the surge in adolescent overweight and obesity—up to eight times in some regions—along with escalating mental health problems, paint a concerning picture. The analysis also underscores emerging threats like climate change, which impacts youth through heat-related illnesses, climate disasters, and food insecurity, all of which contribute to mental health disorders.

Projections indicate that in high-income regions, nearly one-third of adolescents will be overweight or obese, and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression will lead to a significant loss of healthy life years. Globally, efforts are hampered by inadequate funding, lack of leadership, and minimal adolescent-focused investments, which account for only 2.4% of the total aid despite adolescents making up a quarter of the world’s population.

The report stresses the importance of investing in adolescent health as it yields high returns, benefiting not only young populations but society at large. It calls for multisectoral action, including strengthening school health programs, ensuring universal access to healthcare, and promoting adolescent engagement and activism. Furthermore, the analysis advocates for addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change and digital transformation to create a healthier, more equitable future for adolescents.

Overall, the commission highlights the urgent need for political will, targeted investments, and inclusive policies to reverse the stagnation and promote the health and well-being of young people worldwide.