Adolescent health

Adolescents – young people between the ages of 10 and 19 years – are often thought of as a healthy group. Nevertheless, many adolescents do die prematurely due to accidents, suicide, violence, pregnancy related complications and other illnesses that are either preventable or treatable. Many more suffer chronic ill-health and disability. In addition, many serious diseases in adulthood have their roots in adolescence. For example, tobacco use, sexually transmitted infections including HIV, poor eating and exercise habits, lead to illness or premature death later in life.

WHO and partners launch guidance to help countries improve adolescent health

In a major report WHO summarizes evidence-based adolescent health interventions and provides guidance on priority setting and programming. Additionally, 75 case studies from countries applying recommended programmes show the results of efforts to improve the health and well-being of adolescents.

• Global accelerated action for the health of adolescents (AA-HA!): Guidance to support country implementation