WHO Report Details Global Progress and Gaps in Adolescent Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a comprehensive report assessing global progress and remaining challenges in adolescent health and well-being. The report notes that while mortality rates among adolescents have declined globally over the past two decades, progress has been uneven across different regions and population groups.

Globally, 1.3 billion people, or 16% of the world's population, are adolescents aged 10 to 19. Mortality rates have decreased, particularly among older adolescent girls (15-19 years), but advancements have varied regionally.

In Indonesia, approximately 46 million people, or 17% of the population, are adolescents. Leading causes of death among adolescents include road injuries, tuberculosis (TB), interpersonal violence, drowning, and diarrheal diseases. For disability-adjusted life years, common issues involve road injuries, skin diseases, childhood behavioral disorders, TB, and anxiety disorders.

Alarmingly, cigarette smoking among students aged 13-17 years has significantly increased between 2015 and 2023. E-cigarette use has also become more prevalent. Furthermore, suicidal ideation has risen, underscoring the critical need to improve access to mental health and psychosocial support for adolescents.

WHO is working at multiple levels to improve adolescent health outcomes. In Indonesia, these efforts are integrated into broader health programs aligned with the country's Cooperation Strategy for 2023–2027. The report outlines WHO's work towards a brighter and healthier future for the world’s adolescents.