Adolescent health

A young father and mother taking care of their child
WHO Viet Nam

Most young people are healthy. However, globally more that 2.6 million young people aged 10 to 24 die each year. A much greater number of young people suffer from illnesses that hinder their ability to grow and develop to their full potential. A greater number still engage in behaviour that jeopardizes not only their current state of health, but often their health for years to come. Nearly two-thirds of premature deaths and one-third of the total disease burden in adults are associated with conditions or behaviour that began in youth, including: tobacco use, alcohol and drug abuse, a lack of physical activity, unprotected sex or exposure to violence and injury.

Highlighted publications

  • World Health Statistics 2013
    World Health Statistics 2013 contains WHO’s annual compilation of health-related data for its 194 Member States, and includes a summary of the progress made towards achieving the health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and associated targets.
  • Global status report on road safety 2013
    The Global status report on road safety 2013 presents information on road safety from 182 countries, accounting for almost 99% of the world’s population. The report indicates that worldwide the total number of road traffic deaths remains unacceptably high at 1.24 million per year.
  • Atlas of health and climate
    The Atlas of health and climate is a product of this unique collaboration between the meteorological and public health communities. It provides sound scientific information on the connections between weather and climate and major health challenges.