Adolescents, Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) and Equity

Abstract

In this chapter we see how the different aspects of adolescents' lives affect their health and wellbeing. They face comparatively high levels of unprotected sexual activity, suicide, substance abuse, road traffic accidents and malnutrition, and in some regions, violence through homicide and armed conflict are major problems. It is of concern that data from national surveys of many low- and middle-income countries demonstrate that the unmet need of adolescents is over two times higher than that of the general population in these countries. By strengthening national strategies and programmes to address sexual and reproductive health in adolescents, will directly and indirectly enhance the achievement of development goals. Since many of the public health issues affecting adolescents are further exacerbated by cultural, ethnic, religious, socioeconomic and educational inequalities already operating in many low- and middle-income countries, we need to make the case for both male and female adolescents as a public health strategy by opening the dialogue and reaching a consensus rather than impose what we believe and know from a medical perspective.