WHO South-East Asia Nations Commit to Adolescent-Responsive Health Systems

New Delhi: The Member States of the WHO South-East Asia Region have adopted a Ministerial Declaration aimed at building adolescent-responsive health systems, tailored to the unique needs of young people. Signed during the Seventy-Seventh Regional Committee Session, the Declaration focuses on providing inclusive, high-quality health services that address physical, mental, and social well-being without financial barriers.

Saima Wazed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia, emphasized that adolescent-responsive health systems go beyond treating diseases, aiming to empower the younger generation. “Such systems ensure that adolescents can access health services, including mental health support, without barriers,” she said at the ministerial roundtable.

The Declaration highlights the importance of adolescent health systems in strengthening primary healthcare (PHC) and achieving universal health coverage (UHC). Member States pledged to mobilize financial and human resources, invest in adolescent health programs, and promote adolescent-friendly services. Key initiatives include school health programs, comprehensive health education, mental health support, and leveraging digital technology to enforce health laws and regulations.

The Declaration also emphasizes the participation of adolescents, families, and communities in the planning and implementation of health programs. It calls for the inclusion of adolescent-specific indicators in health monitoring frameworks to assess the responsiveness of health systems to adolescents’ needs. Countries agreed to regularly collect, analyze, and use data to improve policies and programs.

Adolescence, defined as ages 10-19, is a critical phase of development that shapes lifelong health. The WHO South-East Asia Region has the world’s highest adolescent population, with 360 million young people. While many adolescents are healthy, significant challenges persist. Every day, 616 adolescents in the region die from preventable causes. Mental health issues, self-harm, and substance abuse have increased from 18% to 25% of adolescent health problems over two decades, while non-communicable diseases now account for 27%. Additionally, 2 million adolescent girls give birth annually, and adolescents face a triple burden of malnutrition, including underweight, overweight, and iron deficiency anemia.

Wazed noted the need for a broader health systems approach, integrating preventive and rehabilitative services with curative care. She also highlighted the economic benefits, stating that every dollar invested in adolescent health yields a tenfold return. Investing in the health of adolescents, women, and vulnerable populations is crucial for a healthier and more equitable region.