Countries in the WHO South-East Asia region have pledged to establish health systems that are responsive to the needs of adolescents.

Member States of the World Health Organization in the South-East Asia region adopted a Ministerial Declaration on Adolescent-Responsive Health Systems on Tuesday, committing to implement policies, allocate resources, and provide services that cater to the unique needs of adolescents for a healthier and more equitable future.

"Adolescent-responsive health systems go beyond merely treating diseases; they focus on empowering a generation. These systems ensure that adolescents can access high-quality, inclusive, and respectful health services without financial barriers, including mental health support and services for well-being and disabilities," stated Saima Wazed, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia, during the ministerial round table on adolescent health systems at the ongoing 77th Regional Committee Session.

The Declaration was signed by Health Ministers and WHO leaders at the conclusion of the round table. It underscores the importance of adolescent-responsive health systems as a critical strategy to strengthen primary health care and achieve universal health coverage.

The Member States agreed to enhance financial and human resource mobilization at both national and subnational levels, including investments for accelerated actions to improve adolescent health and well-being through effective health programs, cost-effective interventions, school health initiatives, adolescent-friendly health services, comprehensive health education, mental health support, and optimal use of digital technology, alongside the enforcement of relevant laws and regulations.

Promoting meaningful participation from all stakeholders, including adolescents, families, and communities, in raising public awareness and promoting adolescent health throughout the program cycle—from planning to implementation and monitoring—was highlighted as a key aspect of the Declaration.

The Member States also committed to including adolescent health monitoring frameworks and specific indicators in routine health management systems, ensuring that data is regularly collected, analyzed, and utilized for policy and program improvements at all levels, along with ongoing assessments of health systems' responsiveness to adolescent needs.

Adolescence, which spans from ages 10 to 19, is a transformative phase marked by rapid physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and sexual changes that establish the foundation for lifelong health and well-being.

The WHO South-East Asia Region is home to 27% of the world's total adolescent population, totaling nearly 360 million young people—the highest of any region.

Mental and neurological disorders, along with self-harm and substance abuse, are increasingly affecting adolescents, rising from 18% to 25% over recent years. Non-communicable diseases now account for 27% of health issues among adolescents.

Approximately 2 million girls aged 15 to 19 give birth each year in the WHO South-East Asia region, and the adolescent population faces a triple burden of malnutrition: 22% are underweight, 8% are overweight, and there is a significant prevalence of nutritional deficiencies, such as iron deficiency anemia.

While acknowledging the progress made in establishing adolescent-friendly health services, the Regional Director noted that the current focus has primarily been on health facilities and curative care, often neglecting a comprehensive health systems approach that includes preventive, promotive, and rehabilitative services, as well as information provision and counseling.

Wazed emphasized that for every dollar invested in adolescent health, there can be a return of up to ten times. "Investing in adolescent health offers a triple dividend—benefits today, for decades to come, and for future generations," she stated.

Additionally, Wazed remarked, "Investing in the health of women, girls, adolescents, and vulnerable populations is a strategic approach for fostering a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable region."