WORLD – The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of the health risks facing millions of adolescents and young people worldwide, stressing that many of these risks can be reduced through prevention, awareness and access to health and psychological support.
On the occasion of International Youth Day on 12 August, the organization highlighted a number of key figures related to adolescent health, noting that more than 100,000 adolescents aged 10–19 died in road crashes in 2021.
The WHO also reported that more than 40,000 adolescents died from drowning, with more than three-quarters of those who died being boys.
In the area of mental health, the organization explained that depression and anxiety are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents, while around half of mental health disorders that emerge in adulthood begin before the age of 18.
The data also show that only one in five adolescents gets enough physical activity, while at least one in 10 young people aged 13–15 uses tobacco globally.
The WHO stressed that many of these health risks can be prevented or reduced, urging young people to follow safety measures such as wearing helmets and seatbelts, learning to swim, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco, vaping, alcohol and drugs.
The organization also emphasized the importance of seeking support and talking to someone they trust when facing psychological difficulties, as well as keeping vaccinations up to date.
The WHO stressed that providing young people with a healthy, safe and supportive environment is essential to giving them the opportunity to grow up healthy and safe.
