Adolescent health

Adolescence carries the highest risks of morbidity and mortality from certain causes, including accidents and injuries, early pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Lifestyle diseases that are caused by smoking, risky sexual behavior, alcohol and drug abuse have their roots in adolescence, and are responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates globally. Preventing risky behaviour and promoting healthy choices among adolescents can, therefore, yield positive health outcomes, not just during adolescence, but also during adulthood. Healthy and developed adolescents have a better chance of becoming healthy, responsible and productive adults, leading to greater skills, fewer work days lost to illness, longer working lives and increased productivity and progress.

Promoting the healthy development of adolescents is one of the most important investments that any society can make. There have been great improvements in the status of health and development in the Western Pacific Region, yet a lot more effort still needs to be made to protect and promote adolescents' needs and rights.

WHO, together with countries and areas in the Region and partner agencies, are working to promote healthy development of adolescents and reduce mortality and morbidity. In the Western Pacific Region, several technical units are working to implement interventions that improve adolescent health in the Region.