WHO Advocates for Adolescent-Friendly Health Systems, Highlighting the Triple Dividend Advantage

The Urgent Call for Adolescent Health in South-East Asia: A Triple Dividend Approach

In a compelling address at the ongoing ‘Regional Meeting to Achieve Universal Health Coverage for Adolescent Population through Adolescent Responsive Health Systems,’ Saima Wazed, the Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for South-East Asia, emphasized the critical need for health systems in the region to cater specifically to adolescents. This demographic, defined as individuals aged 10 to 19, is at a pivotal stage of development, requiring tailored health policies that address their unique needs.

Understanding the Unique Needs of Adolescents

Adolescence is a transformative period characterized by significant cognitive, social, physical, emotional, and sexual development. As Wazed pointed out, this age group necessitates special attention in national health and development policies. The WHO’s focus on adolescent health is not merely a matter of addressing immediate health concerns; it is about recognizing the long-term implications of investing in this demographic.

The Triple Dividend of Investing in Adolescent Health

Wazed articulated the concept of the ‘triple dividend’ that comes from investing in adolescent health. This framework encompasses three key benefits:

1. Immediate Benefits: Investments in adolescent health can lead to the promotion of positive health behaviors and the prevention, early detection, treatment, and rehabilitation of health issues.

2. Future Benefits: By instilling healthy lifestyles during adolescence, we can significantly reduce harmful behaviors and morbidity in adulthood, leading to a healthier population in the long run.

3. Intergenerational Benefits: Promoting healthy practices during adolescence can prevent risk factors for diseases, thereby benefiting future generations.

The economic rationale for investing in adolescent health is compelling. For every dollar spent, there is an estimated return of 5 to 10 times in health, social, and economic benefits, underscoring the cost-effectiveness of such investments.

The Stark Reality of Adolescent Health in the Region

Despite the potential benefits, the statistics are alarming. Nearly 670 adolescents die every day in the WHO South-East Asia Region, with a significant burden of morbidity stemming from various issues, including adolescent pregnancy, mental health challenges, nutrition deficiencies, noncommunicable diseases, and self-harm. Many of these health issues are preventable or treatable, yet adolescents face numerous barriers in accessing healthcare and information. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these challenges, highlighting the urgent need for responsive health systems.

Progress and Challenges in Adolescent Health Initiatives

Over the past decade, the region has made notable strides in prioritizing adolescent health and well-being. This progress has manifested in favorable policies and national programs aimed at improving adolescent health, including initiatives focused on school health. However, significant challenges remain. Issues such as inadequate funding, lack of accountability, fragmented implementation, and poor coverage and quality of services continue to hinder progress. Furthermore, the absence of quality disaggregated data complicates the ability to assess and address adolescent health needs effectively.

The Need for Adolescent-Centric Health Systems

Wazed pointed out that current health systems have not achieved the same level of ‘adolescent-centricity’ as they have for other age groups. Most health service delivery platforms are primarily designed for disease management or tailored to specific groups, such as mothers or adults. This oversight has resulted in a lack of comprehensive services that address the full spectrum of adolescent health needs, including mental health, non-communicable diseases, and violence prevention.

To truly support adolescents, health systems must be designed to be responsive to their needs. This includes incorporating the perspectives of adolescents and their families in the design and implementation of health services. Access to high-quality, inclusive, and respectful health services should be guaranteed, allowing adolescents to seek care without facing financial or other barriers.

A Commitment to a Healthier Future

Wazed reiterated WHO’s commitment to investing in the health of women, girls, adolescents, and vulnerable populations, which is one of the five tactical approaches for fostering a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable South-East Asia Region. By prioritizing adolescent health, countries can move closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage goals and ultimately create a healthier future for all.

Conclusion

The call to action from the WHO is clear: countries in the South-East Asia Region must prioritize the health needs of adolescents. By investing in adolescent-responsive health systems, we can unlock the triple dividend of immediate, future, and intergenerational benefits. The time to act is now, as the health and well-being of adolescents today will shape the health of generations to come.