Adolescent Health

WHO defines adolescents as those aged 10-19 years, while young population includes those aged 15-24 years. Adolescent Health is part of the Child and Adolescent Health Programme.

Adolescents are prone to early unwanted pregnancies, septic abortions, sexual abuse, alcohol and substance use and abuse and vulnerability to risks associated with early sexual activity.

Hence, the increasing problem of HIV/AIDS is one of the main challenges to young people's health in the Region. Lack of adolescent-friendly health services and inadequate policy orientation to meet adolescent health needs are some of the priority problems that countries of the Region are trying to address.