Public Health Association advocacy for youth mental health
1
Women, children and youth working group, World Federation of Public Health Associations, Geneva, Switzerland
2
Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University Of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
3
Institute of Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
4
Drosophila Research and Training Centre, Ibadan, Nigeria
5
Public Mental Health Working Group, World Federation of Public Health Associations, Geneva, Switzerland
6
Local Health District 8, ASL Roma 2, Rome, Italy
7
Public Mental Health Special Interest Group, World Psychiatric Association, Thônex, Switzerland
8
Young World Federation of Public Health Associations, Geneva, Switzerland
9
Public Mental Health Special Interest Group, Public Health Association of South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa
10
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
This workshop is hosted by the WFPHA Public Mental Health Working Group, WFPHA Women, Children and Youth Working Group, Young WFPHA and the Public Health Association of South Africa, Public Mental Health Special Interest Group exploring ‘Health without borders: equity, inclusion, and sustainability for youth mental health’. Around one in seven young people globally is affected by a mental health condition.(1) Poor mental health among young people impacts a country’s economy and wellbeing, in addition to costs to the health care and social systems.(2) Young people living in vulnerable situations generally report more mental health symptoms and conditions. Public health associations globally can increase advocacy for young people. In 2024, global mapping of Public Health Associations (PHAs) polices identified that only seven PHAs out of 130 globally and one Regional PHA had policies related to young people.(3) In 2025, the WFPHA developed a Youth Mental Health Policy. This policy highlights the need for more advocacy and action on youth mental health globally.(4)
METHODS:
Speakers from the Women, Children, and Youth Working Group will present the WFPHA youth mental health policy. A speaker from the Young WFPHA group will offer a youth perspective, highlighting their work to empower young people, including the WHO Youth Council, complemented by expert insights in the field. Following the presentations, this workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to discuss the development of policies in their country associations relating to youth mental health.
RESULTS:
It is anticipated that this workshop will provide a catalyst for public health associations to develop polices related to youth mental health.
CONCLUSIONS:
Promoting the mental health of young people aged 10-24 should be a priority for everyone across the globe in order to ensure that young people obtain their maximum potential and contribute to their communities and nations.
This workshop is hosted by the WFPHA Public Mental Health Working Group, WFPHA Women, Children and Youth Working Group, Young WFPHA and the Public Health Association of South Africa, Public Mental Health Special Interest Group exploring ‘Health without borders: equity, inclusion, and sustainability for youth mental health’. Around one in seven young people globally is affected by a mental health condition.(1) Poor mental health among young people impacts a country’s economy and wellbeing, in addition to costs to the health care and social systems.(2) Young people living in vulnerable situations generally report more mental health symptoms and conditions. Public health associations globally can increase advocacy for young people. In 2024, global mapping of Public Health Associations (PHAs) polices identified that only seven PHAs out of 130 globally and one Regional PHA had policies related to young people.(3) In 2025, the WFPHA developed a Youth Mental Health Policy. This policy highlights the need for more advocacy and action on youth mental health globally.(4)
METHODS:
Speakers from the Women, Children, and Youth Working Group will present the WFPHA youth mental health policy. A speaker from the Young WFPHA group will offer a youth perspective, highlighting their work to empower young people, including the WHO Youth Council, complemented by expert insights in the field. Following the presentations, this workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to discuss the development of policies in their country associations relating to youth mental health.
RESULTS:
It is anticipated that this workshop will provide a catalyst for public health associations to develop polices related to youth mental health.
CONCLUSIONS:
Promoting the mental health of young people aged 10-24 should be a priority for everyone across the globe in order to ensure that young people obtain their maximum potential and contribute to their communities and nations.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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