Adolescent health globally: Issues and challenges

Abstract

Rapid declines in fertility, increasing survival through infancy and childhood and greater longevity mean that this generation of adolescents will be the largest in human history. In low-income countries, the 'youth bulge' has the potential to bring great economic prosperity. In contrast, many high-income countries face a 'demographic cliff' where a smaller pool of young people poses major economic and social challenges. In both contexts, the health and well-being of this generation of adolescents will determine future national development. Shifts in adolescent development have major implications for health. Falls in the age of puberty together with a rising age of marriage have, for example..