The world should invest in the health of its billions of adolescents, according to a major report published today.
The 1.8 billion adolescents is the largest number in history – and two-thirds are growing up in countries where they face daily threats to health, according to a commission report published by The Lancet.
The teenagers and young adults face health problems such as HIV, early pregnancy, unsafe sex, injury, violence and depression, the experts say.
They also face challenges such as obesity, high unemployment rates and the risk of radicalisation, the report says.
The report centres on the age group ranging from ten to 24, of whom 89% living in developing countries.
It says the fastest growing risk factor for ill health is unsafe sex – and alcohol is the leading risk factor.
The report says countries should make 18 the minimum age for marriage and expand access to free secondary education.
Professor George Patton, of Melbourne University, Australia, said: "This generation of young people can transform all our futures. There is no more pressing task in global health than ensuring they have the resources to do so.
"This means it will be crucial to invest urgently in their health, education, livelihoods, and participation."
The United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon said: "Adolescents can be key driving forces in building a future of dignity for all. If we can make a positive difference in the lives of 10-year-old girls and boys today, and expand their opportunities and capabilities over the next 15 years, we can ensure the success of the sustainable development goals."
The Lancet 10 May 2016 [abstract]
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