Global Youth Health Policy
1
World Federation of Public Health Associations, Women, Children and Youth Working Group, Geneva, Switzerland
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Young people represent approximately 16% of the global population,[1] Youth represents a critical development period, laying the foundation for lifelong health and wellbeing,[2] however, young people are the most overlooked population group,[3] receiving the lowest per capita health investment across all age groups. [4-5] This disparity underscores the urgent need for direct, responsive, inclusive and evidence-based policies that ensure equitable, youth health services are effectively designed to meet their diverse needs.[6] This review and quality assessment of global youth health policies aimed to understand global priorities, identify policy gaps, and inform the development of comprehensive, youth-centred health policies worldwide.
METHODS:
A structured Google search was conducted to identify international policies, frameworks, and inquiry reports on youth health published between 2015-2025 by international, regional, and professional bodies. A thematic analysis was undertaken to identify key patterns and priorities, followed by a quality assessment.
RESULTS:
Twenty-three policies, frameworks, and inquiry reports addressing youth health were identified. Definitions of ‘youth’ varied, though the range of 10-24 years was most adopted. Mental health (57%) and sexual and reproductive health (48%) were the most frequently addressed health issues, followed by general health (44%), non-communicable diseases (30%), and drug and alcohol use (17%). Few documents focused on specific settings or marginalised populations. Only 52% demonstrated explicit involvement of young people in policy development. The quality assessment showed low scores for resource allocation and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
CONCLUSIONS:
Critical gaps in equity, representation of marginalised groups, and accountability continue to threaten global progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Urgent, coordinated action is needed. Governments, policymakers, and stakeholders must prioritise the formulation and implementation of evidence-based youth health policies. Strengthening implementation and accountability across these policies will be essential to ensure that all young people achieve their full potential.
Young people represent approximately 16% of the global population,[1] Youth represents a critical development period, laying the foundation for lifelong health and wellbeing,[2] however, young people are the most overlooked population group,[3] receiving the lowest per capita health investment across all age groups. [4-5] This disparity underscores the urgent need for direct, responsive, inclusive and evidence-based policies that ensure equitable, youth health services are effectively designed to meet their diverse needs.[6] This review and quality assessment of global youth health policies aimed to understand global priorities, identify policy gaps, and inform the development of comprehensive, youth-centred health policies worldwide.
METHODS:
A structured Google search was conducted to identify international policies, frameworks, and inquiry reports on youth health published between 2015-2025 by international, regional, and professional bodies. A thematic analysis was undertaken to identify key patterns and priorities, followed by a quality assessment.
RESULTS:
Twenty-three policies, frameworks, and inquiry reports addressing youth health were identified. Definitions of ‘youth’ varied, though the range of 10-24 years was most adopted. Mental health (57%) and sexual and reproductive health (48%) were the most frequently addressed health issues, followed by general health (44%), non-communicable diseases (30%), and drug and alcohol use (17%). Few documents focused on specific settings or marginalised populations. Only 52% demonstrated explicit involvement of young people in policy development. The quality assessment showed low scores for resource allocation and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
CONCLUSIONS:
Critical gaps in equity, representation of marginalised groups, and accountability continue to threaten global progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Urgent, coordinated action is needed. Governments, policymakers, and stakeholders must prioritise the formulation and implementation of evidence-based youth health policies. Strengthening implementation and accountability across these policies will be essential to ensure that all young people achieve their full potential.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
