Global Health Crisis Unfolds: One in Seven Adolescents Suffer from Mental Disorders
As the world grapples with the escalating health crises affecting adolescents, a disturbing new report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) reveals that at least one in seven young people globally now suffer from a mental disorder. The alarming findings highlight the urgent need for increased global investment in adolescent health services, particularly in addressing mental health and sexual and reproductive health needs for the world’s nearly 1.3 billion adolescents aged 10-19.
According to the WHO, the prevalence of mental disorders among adolescents has become a pressing concern, with rising rates of depression and anxiety. The report was unveiled at the United Nations’ Summit of the Future on September 23, 2024, at which Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus emphasized the significance of promoting and protecting the health and rights of young people.
"Failing to address the health threats that adolescents face will not only have serious and life-threatening consequences for young people themselves but will also create spiraling economic costs for societies," Dr. Ghebreyesus warned.
The report details a myriad of troubling health trends affecting adolescents globally, including alarming rates of obesity, anemia, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Untreated STIs can have lifelong impacts on health, underscoring the need for comprehensive sexual health education and access to medical services.
The WHO is urging world leaders to recognize the critical role adolescents play in shaping the future, and to empower them with the platform they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
"Adolescents are powerful and incredibly creative forces for good when they are able to shape the agenda for their well-being and their future," said Rajat Khosla, Executive Director of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, which co-hosted the event.
The report highlights the broader risks facing adolescents today, including climate change, conflict, and inequality, and warns that restrictive policies limiting access to STI and HIV services will exacerbate health outcomes for marginalized youth.
While progress has been made in certain areas, such as decreases in adolescent HIV infections and harmful practices like female genital mutilation and early marriage, the WHO’s report emphasizes the need for urgent investment in services and programs that protect adolescent health.
World leaders have committed to accelerating efforts to improve maternal and child health, including adolescent health, and it is crucial that these commitments are upheld to secure the health and well-being of current and future generations.
As the world grapples with the complexities of adolescent health, it is imperative that we prioritize investment in healthcare, education, and nutrition to ensure the well-being of this crucial age group.
