By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA- AS young people remains paramount in national development and sustenance of any nation, a new report has revealed that greater investment is needed in the development of adolescent’s well-being and development.

The report released at the 77th World Health Assembly, was commissioned by The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health, PMNCH, working with Victoria Institute of Strategic Economic Studies of Victoria University in Australia, WHO, UNICEF and UNFPA, identified that adolescents, aged 10–19 years, face unprecedented challenges amidst a rapidly evolving world.

According to the report, failure by all stakeholders to substantially increase investment in programmes targeted at improving adolescent well-being would result in a staggering economic cost, with potential global losses amounting to an estimated USD 110 trillion (benefits foregone) from 2024 to 2050. This equates to USD 4.1 trillion per year, or 7.7% of the GDP of the countries included in the research for the report, which covers about 80% of the world’s population.

The report reads in part, “The benefits of investing in adolescent well-being, however, are significant, with benefit to cost ratios (BCRs) in most cases showing economic and social returns at least 10 times the initial investment, and in many cases significantly higher.

“It has recently been estimated that a broad package of health services for adolescents is likely to give a return of USD 9.6 for every dollar invested; while investing in education and training for adolescents is likely to give a return of USD 28.6 for every dollar invested.

“While progress has been made in some areas of improving adolescent well-being, significant challenges persist, placing the well-being of adolescents at risk. These include: High mortality rates; Over 1.5 million adolescents and young adults aged 10-24 died in 2024, about 4500 daily. The leading causes of death – injuries (including road traffic injuries and drowning), inter-personal violence, self-harm and maternal injuries – are preventable (WHO);

“Mental health: One in seven 10–19-year-olds globally experiences a mental health issue, with depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders among the leading causes of illness and disability; suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15–19-year-olds (WHO); Adolescent pregnancy: Approximately 12 million girls aged 15–19 years and at least 777,000 girls aged under 15 years give birth each year in developing regions (WHO), with complications during pregnancy and childbirth the leading cause of death for 15–19-year-old girls globally

“Education and employment: Globally, one fifth of young people aged 15-24 are not in employment, education or training (NEET), with young women being twice as likely as young men to have this status; Climate and environmental hazards: Almost every person aged under 18 in the world is exposed to at least one climate and environmental hazard, such as heatwaves, cyclones, air pollution, flooding and water scarcity. (UNICEF, 2021).”

The report’s central conclusion is that the world urgently needs a new investment programme to improve the well-being of adolescents. This must be a global initiative, but it should be carried out at the local level with initiatives tailored to the realities of individual countries. The young people themselves must be involved and allowed to express their specific needs. Given the difficult debt position of many developing countries, substantial commitments from wealthier countries and from international institutions will be necessary.

Meanwhile, speaking and lending their voices on the need for more attention and investment on adolescents, he former Prime Minister of New Zealand and PMNCH Board Chair, Helen Clark, said: “With just about five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, progress lagging, and the adolescent population increasing, the urgency of investing in adolescents’ well-being cannot be overstated.

“A multi-pronged and multisectoral approach to investment – anchored in meaningful adolescent and youth engagement, accountability, transparency, and multi-stakeholder collaboration is crucial.

“The time for action is now to ensure that today’s adolescents can thrive and contribute positively to future generations.”

Director, YIELD Hub and Chair, PMNCH Adolescents and Youth Constituency, David Imbago, said, “Investing in adolescent well-being is crucial because it lays the foundation for a healthy, productive future generation. A rights-based approach ensures that every young person can access the resources and opportunities they need to thrive, respecting their dignity and empowering them to be active participants in their own development and their communities.”

Executive Director, UNFPA, Dr Natalia Kanem, said, “Empowered with skills and opportunities, young people will put us on course to a more sustainable world for all.”

The Youth Advocacy Network, Sri Lanka, and Chair, PMNCH Adolescents and Youth Constituency, Hafsah Muheed, pointed out that, “Investing in adolescents’ health and well-being today ensures they grow into healthy adults. Early intervention and support prevent future health issues, reduce healthcare costs, and fosters a generation capable of contributing positively to society. By prioritizing their well-being now, we secure a healthier, more productive future for all.”

The Director, Victoria Institute of Strategic Economic Studies, Victoria University, Australia, Bruce Rasmussen, said, “Adolescent well-being has been improving. Nonetheless, adolescents face many deep challenges, now and in the years ahead.

“Large-scale and immediate investment to increase their capabilities and well-being is currently of critical importance. This investment will empower young people to meet the challenges before them and to thrive in the decades ahead. Their well-being is not just health. It includes connectedness to community and peers, agency and resilience, education, skills and training and avoidance of violence and injuries. These domains are interlinked and interdependent.

“The returns to investing in adolescent well-being are high and will give adolescents the opportunity to look forward to decent jobs and a confident healthy life. The time for investment is now.”

“Evidence shows that investing in adolescent girls is a game-changer for everyone. With resources and opportunities, the world’s 600 million adolescent girls can become the largest generation of women leaders and change-makers the world has ever seen”, the Executive Director, UNICEF, Catherine Russell, stated.