Adolescent Health: A Global Perspective

This chapter highlights the importance of addressing global adolescent health problems. It begins with a definition of adolescence and emphasizes the developmental stages in the transition to adulthood. The growing global adolescent population is discussed with emphasis on low- and middle-income countries. The rationale for this focus on the health of adolescents is based on certain factors, like the size of the adolescent cohort, the adolescent’s entitlement to universal human rights, and the benefits of investing in adolescent health in the long term. This chapter delves into the major health issues that teenagers face, such as mental health problems, injuries, and sexual and reproductive health issues. It connects these issues to global and regional healthcare disparities. It also looks at how adolescent health relates to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stressing the importance of the life course approach and the need for multisectoral strategies for tackling the problems of adolescents. It examines the effectiveness of programs designed to improve adolescent health and identifies gaps in policy and research. By paying attention to adolescent health, countries can decrease the burden of disease and also empower the next generation to contribute to sustainable development.