Adolescent health has come of age. There is a sense of urgency that action is needed now to make a real difference to the health of adolescents. Health for the world’s adolescents: a second chance in the second decade is a dynamic, multimedia, online report (by the World Health Organization) that describes why adolescents need specific attention, distinct from children and adults. The report presents a global overview of adolescents’ health and health-related behaviours, including the latest data and trends and features adolescents’ own perspectives on their health needs, as well as discusses the determinants that influence their health and behaviours, and finally concludes with key actions for strengthening national health sector responses to adolescent health.
The report offers an overview of four core areas for health sector action, these include:
- providing health services
- collecting and using the data needed to advocate, plan and monitor health sector interventions
- developing and implementing health-promoting and health-protecting policies and
- mobilising and supporting other sectors
