Presentation at the Global Maternal Newborn Health Conference, October 20, 2015
To facilitate a healthy transition from adolescent to adulthood, three key interventions are vitally important: 1. health education including comprehensive sexuality education with a focus on gender equality and human rights; 2. access to health services including sexual and reproductive health and 3. making environments safe and supportive. An analysis of the health challenges faced by adolescents today was undertaken by looking at major burden of diseases, global mortality and morbidity data, as well as major social and economic determinants of adolescent health. Injuries and violence, mental health, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, maternal mortality and morbidity, HIV-AIDS are the major areas that require specific interventions from the health sector. After looking at trends, a conclusion is made about priority interventions by the health sector to ensure that adolescents are able to give voice, choice and control over their own bodies. Health sector interventions recommended include health education including comprehensive sexuality education, access to integrated health services, immunizations and nutrition.