Global Youth Meeting on Health, 2021 (GYM 2021) Outcome 2
Factsheets on Priority Health Areas and Case Studies Developed by Adolescents and Youth in the South East Asia Region
Overview
No longer a child and not yet an adult, the adolescent years are a trying period in one's life. Assailed by doubts and challenges on many fronts, this is the time when they need a platform to connect, voice, involve, and make a difference in their lives and societies. The youth and adolescents need a system that recognizes their substantial role as change agents and potential leaders to voice their energy and ideas.
About 360 million adolescents comprise about 20% of the population in the countries of the South-East Asia Region (1). The transition from childhood to adulthood involves dramatic physical, sexual, psychological and social developmental changes, all taking place simultaneously. In addition to opportunities for development, this transition poses risks to their health and wellbeing. Contrary to a widespread perception that this is a healthy age group, adolescents have several public health issues.