Some 1.1 billion young persons aged 10-24 will be living in countries where health risks, from HIV/AIDS, early pregnancy, malnutrition, unsafe sex, injuries, and mental health disorders, loom large. This alarming projection of the Second Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Well-being is based on data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study.

The figure is a considerable jump from the estimations laid out in the first Lancet report (2016), which considered less than a billion young persons, highlighting population growth and stagnant progress in global health.

Anemia and mental health top the podium.

One of the concerning findings is that one in three adolescent girls is at risk of anemia by 2030, and the situation has not been acted upon sufficiently. Anemia is not just about tiredness: it may delay growth, hinder cognitive development, and in severe situations, may even cripple the functioning of vital organs.

Yet, adolescent mental health has worsened globally in the past 30 years, with the COVID-19 pandemic intensifying the rate. By 2030, an estimated 42 million years of healthy life will be lost to mental health disorders and suicide.

Obesity, Climate Change, and the Digital Divide Add to the Burden

Through obesity, Latin America and the Middle East face a third of their adolescent population being overweight by 2030, with the figure reaching 464 million globally. The increase in adolescent obesity reflects the failures of the current state. The rise in adolescent obesity reflects shortcomings in current strategies to address lifestyle and nutrition.

Emerging issues such as climate change and the digital shift are also posing new challenges. Today’s young people are the first generation to live entirely in a world that is 0.5°C warmer than pre-industrial levels. By 2100, 1.9 billion adolescents will likely face a planet 2.8°C warmer, putting them at risk of food and water shortages, climate-induced mental health conditions, and heat-related illnesses.

Funding and leadership lag behind the scale of the crisis.

The Commission highlighted a critical funding gap. Current investments do not match the scale of the challenges or focus on the regions with the most urgent needs. It also pointed to a lack of global leadership and accountability in adolescent health and well-being.

Hope through innovation, equity, and youth engagement

Despite the grim statistics, there is reason for optimism. Commission co-chair Professor Sarah Baird highlighted the mixed progress. While tobacco and alcohol use have declined and school attendance has improved, obesity and mental health problems are on the rise, particularly in Africa and Asia.

She stressed that youth health should be seen as a key investment in the future, urging governments to strengthen health systems, promote school-based health initiatives, and ensure access to health care for all adolescents.

Fellow co-chair Professor Alex Ezeh pointed out that Africa will soon account for almost half of the world’s adolescent population, making a vital leap forward in improving global health on the continent.

Meanwhile, Aaron Jenkins, University of Sydney associate professor and Lancet commissioner, advocated for co-benefit solutions that improve adolescent health while supporting climate resilience, biodiversity, and social equity. He stressed that protecting youth health is inseparable from protecting the environment.  

Final thought: The time to act is now.

The message is clear: The health of the world's adolescents is at a crossroads. With bold leadership, targeted investments, and comprehensive strategies that engage young people, a healthier, more equitable future is within reach.

Reference:

1. The Lancet Commission. Our Future: A Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing 2025. The Lancet, May 2025. https://www.thelancet.com/commissions/adolescent-health-and-wellbeing.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)