WHO: Investing in Youth Health to Ensure Future Generations' Well-being

In Ukraine, a teenage girl and an eight-year-old boy are living with their foster parents

The report was released during the UN Summit on the Future. The report identifies some worrying trends in adolescent health over the past decade. For example, at least one in seven adolescents worldwide currently suffers from a psychological disorder, especially depression and anxiety; Anemia is still prevalent among adolescent girls; Nearly 1 in 10 adolescents suffer from obesity; Sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and genital herpes are on the rise in incidence among young people.

In addition, violence and bullying have a devastating impact on the physical and mental health of millions of young people around the world. Against the backdrop of strong opposition to gender equality and human rights, young people's access to services for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV is limited.

The study also points out that other issues, such as climate change, conflict and inequality, pose challenges to the future of young people. The report highlights that progress is possible with the right investment and support. For example, the rate of HIV infection among adolescents has declined; Reduction in harmful practices such as teenage pregnancy and female genital mutilation, early marriage; Since 2000, the number of out-of-school children of secondary school age has decreased by almost 30 per cent.

The study calls for the development and implementation of laws and policies that protect the health and rights of adolescents, and that health systems and services should be more responsive to the needs of adolescents and ensure their participation and empowerment in all areas.

At this year's World Health Assembly, world leaders pledged to accelerate efforts to improve adolescent health. WHO says that fulfilling these commitments, as well as those embodied in the UN's Compact for the Future, is essential to ensure the health and well-being of present and future generations.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "Safeguarding the health and rights of young people is essential to building a better future. He pointed out that ignoring the health threats faced by adolescents will not only have serious and even life-threatening consequences for themselves, but also impose a heavy economic burden on society. Therefore, investing in adolescent health services and programs is not only a moral imperative but also a wise economic choice.