Survival Chances for Adolescents and Young Adults: A Global Disparity

In the dusty streets of Harare, a 15-year-old girl named Tendai dreams of becoming a doctor. Yet, for every 1,000 adolescents like her in sub-Saharan Africa, the chance of dying before turning 24 is alarmingly high—three times greater than in her counterparts in North America or Europe. The stark reality lingers like a cloud over her aspirations, where avoidable diseases and life-altering accidents cast long shadows over youth.

Global Mortality Disparities

Statistical data from 2021 paints a grim portrait: the average probability of a 10-year-old in sub-Saharan Africa dying before reaching 24 was approximately six times higher than in wealthier regions. According to Dr. Jane Moyo of the Global Youth Health Initiative, “These statistics reveal not just numbers, but lost potential. Each percentage point of mortality represents dreams deferred, lives unfulfilled.”

Age and Gender: Unraveling the Mortality Rates

Within the crucial age group of 10-24 years, mortality rates reveal a distinct pattern. Young adolescents aged 10-14 experience the lowest mortality rates, while young adults in the 20-24 age bracket face the highest risks. Compounding these statistics are notable gender differences, with males typically showing higher mortality rates than females.

Dominance of Infectious Diseases

• Infectious Diseases

  Infectious diseases predominantly affect the younger demographic. Historical data indicates that in developing regions, diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV remain formidable foes. “Infection diseases are not relics of the past; they still claim young lives today,” emphasizes Dr. Simon Mburu, an epidemiologist at the African Health Organization.

• Accidents and Violence

  As adolescents transition into young adulthood, the landscape shifts. “While their childhood was defined by infectious diseases, for many young adults, mortality is linked to accidents, self-harm, and violence,” Dr. Moyo notes.

Leading Causes of Death in Adolescents

Unintentional Injuries

Among the leading causes of death for adolescents globally are unintentional injuries, notably from road traffic accidents and drowning. In 2021, over 100,000 adolescents aged 10-19 lost their lives due to road incidents. “Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists—bear the brunt of these tragedies,” says Dr. Lua Wong, a road safety advocate.

Drowning and Violence

Drowning claimed over 40,000 adolescent lives in the same year, with boys representing over three-quarters of the victims. The refined peril escalates when it intertwines with interpersonal violence. In the WHO Region of the Americas, violence accounts for nearly a third of all adolescent male fatalities. “We are witnessing a public health crisis; violence breeds further violence, leading to numerous long-term health issues,” Dr. Mburu warns.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health

The tumultuous adolescent years are often marred by substance abuse. Globally, over 155 million adolescents are current alcohol drinkers, while about 4.7% use cannabis. “Substance use in teenagers is a ticking time bomb; it leads to cognitive impairment and sets the stage for a cycle of addiction,” Dr. Moyo explains. Mental health challenges compound these issues, with depression and anxiety standing out as leading causes of disability, and rates of suicide peaking among older adolescents.

Challenges in Developing Regions

Healthcare Access and Inequity

Compounding these issues, healthcare access remains an insurmountable hurdle for many. An estimated 1.7 million adolescents were living with HIV in 2021, with 90% in the WHO African Region. “Testing and treatment are still inadequate, leaving many unaware of their HIV status and without proper care,” cautions Dr. Mburu.

Environmental Factors

Many causes of mortality for adolescents are closely linked to environmental issues. Air pollution, hazardous waste, and climate change exacerbate health conditions for youth. “Young people are often at the forefront of facing environmental hazards. Their developmental physiology puts them at increased risk,” Dr. Wong elaborates.

Pathways to Change

Adolescent health bears strong ties to social, economic, and policy environments. Sustainable Development Goals and human rights instruments emphasize the rights of young people to survive and thrive. In 2023, WHO’s Global Accelerated Action for the Health of Adolescents (AA-HA! 2.0) aims to enhance country-specific implementations focusing on adolescent health.

Community Initiatives

In communities worldwide, grassroots organizations are stepping in where systemic barriers exist. Programs targeting mental health awareness, substance abuse prevention, and education around sexual and reproductive health are crucial. “We need local solutions adapted to the unique challenges each community faces,” asserts Dr. Moyo.

As Tendai gazes into her future, she carries not just her dreams but the weight of a world where survival is uncertain for many like her. The fragility of youth should serve as a clarion call for actionable change, reminding us that investing in the health of adolescents and young adults today lays the foundation for a healthier, more equitable tomorrow.

Source: www.who.int