Adolescent health has become a global focus after the latest global study revealed troubling trends. Although the total number of deaths worldwide has declined significantly in the last two decades, deaths among adolescents and young people have actually risen. This phenomenon indicates the existence of a health crisis that is neglected among the productive-age group.
According to the reportThe GuardianCiting the results of international studies, the leading causes of death among young people vary by region. In North America, mortality rates are higher due to alcohol abuse, drug use, and suicide. Meanwhile in Sub-Saharan Africa, the largest factors come from infectious diseases, malnutrition, and injuries caused by violence and accidents.
This finding provides a stern warning to the global health system. The world seems to have succeeded in reducing infant and elderly mortality rates, but failed to protect the younger generation from increasingly complex risks.
New Challenges in Adolescent Health
Adolescent health today is not only about nutrition and immunization. In the modern era, the challenges that arise include mental health, social pressures, and access to addictive substances. Changes in lifestyle, increasing academic pressure, and economic uncertainty worsen the psychological condition of many young people.
Research shows that rates of depression and anxiety rose sharply after the COVID-19 pandemic. Many teenagers lose their sense of security, social support, and direction in life. On the other hand, the ease of access to alcohol and drugs adds to the complexity of adolescent health problems.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
The health of adolescents is greatly threatened by excessive alcohol consumption and drug use. The global study notes that in North America and Europe, these two factors are the leading causes of unnatural deaths among 15–24-year-olds. The surge in fentanyl overdose cases in the United States, for example, has become a mirror of the failure of the health protection system for the younger generation.
Governments in various countries are now pushing policies restricting the sale of alcohol to minors, and expanding community-based rehabilitation programs. However, these efforts have not yet been sufficient to curb the rate of substance abuse. Social support and prevention education are considered more effective than law enforcement alone.
Worsening mental health
Mental health disorders are the dominant factor behind the rising suicide rate among adolescents. The pressures of social media, social isolation, and economic inequality increase the risk of depression. Data from the WHO show that one in seven adolescents worldwide suffer from moderate to severe mental disorders.
Adolescent health needs to be addressed through preventive programs in schools and campuses, not only clinical interventions. The Scandinavian countries and Japan have started an 'emotional literacy' curriculum to equip students with skills to manage stress and social conflicts.
Regional Disparities and Access to Services
In Africa and South Asia, the main problem is not depression or alcohol, but infectious diseases and injuries. Adolescents in poor areas are often victims of malnutrition, malaria, or work-related accidents because they have to help support their families. This condition reflects the inequality in access to basic health services that is still high.
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of investing in primary health care services and sexual and reproductive health education for adolescents. Promotive efforts such as HPV vaccination, nutrition education, and road safety campaigns have been proven to reduce the risk of death at a young age.
Urgent promotive and preventive measures.
To curb the adolescent health crisis, researchers are calling for a cross-sector approach. The education, social, and health sectors must collaborate systematically.
Strengthening the Healthy School Program
Schools serve as strategic points for monitoring adolescent health. Programs likeschool-based health centerIn the United States, it has proven effective in the early identification of mental disorders. In Indonesia, the Ministry of Health is developing.School Health Efforts PlusAs a platform for interagency collaboration to support adolescent health in the school environment.
Adolescent health can be improved through teacher training in recognizing signs of depression, the formation of peer counselors, and the provision of sustainable nutrition education.
Role of Community and Technology
In addition, digital technology can be an important tool to reach the younger generation. App-based mental health platforms, such as Calm and Headspace, are increasingly used by adolescents in developed countries. Meanwhile in developing countries, telemedicine services become a solution to reach remote areas.
ProgramInsimen Health Digital CareFor example, it could serve as an example of a local platform that combines medical, psychological, and social approaches to help monitor adolescent health in Indonesia.
National and Global Policy
At the policy level, many countries are beginning to design national adolescent health strategies that include mental well-being, violence prevention, and drug control. The WHO recommends that every country have a five-year action plan integrated with its education and social systems.
The Indonesian government itself, through the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), targets an improvement in the adolescent health index by 2030. This includes the prevention of child marriage, reproductive health education, and the improvement of counseling facilities at community health centers.
The Future of Global Adolescent Health
Adolescent health determines the future of society. If the younger generation loses its health, the nation's productivity and innovation will decline. The world needs to see this problem not as an individual issue, but as a shared responsibility.
In an era of global social and economic pressures, health approaches must be more humane and holistic. Maintaining adolescent health means maintaining long-term social and economic stability.
The adolescent health crisis has now become a global call to action. The state, schools, and families need to strengthen their roles in building a generation that is physically and mentally healthy. Active community involvement can be a major bulwark in reducing the rate of premature mortality.
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