K Fritsch

Abstract

Adolescents, having ceaseless energy, ideas, enthusiasm, ambition and potential, are our important assets and resources; they are our future. This presentation will review the challenges adolescents face, including the common causes of mortality among adolescents as well as the contextual factors and underlying causes which place adolescents at risk for ill-health, development problems and premature death. The characteristics and needs of particularly vulnerable and hard to reach adolescents will be highlighted. Analysis of adolescent health and development contextual factors and vulnerability will serve to lay the foundation for a framework for action needed to provide adolescents with the support and opportunities to: (1) acquire accurate information about their health needs; (2) build the life skills needed to avoid risk-taking behaviour; (3) obtain counselling, especially during crisis situations; (4) have access to health services (including sexual and reproductive health services); and (5) live in a safe and supportive environment. Core components of the WHO Western Pacific Regional adolescent health and development framework will be outlined, with focused attention being given to the establishment of adolescent friendly health services and the core competencies required by health professionals and others working with adolescents. Throughout the presentation, participants will be challenged to identify innovative ways for improving adolescent health and development outcomes and facilitating partnerships and interventions targeted at making health services friendly for adolescents and other clients.