Investing in the future: prioritizing adolescent health in Pakistan

Abstract

Adolescence is the stage of life between ages 10 and 19, marking the journey from childhood to adulthood, and is considered the most critical time of human development. During this time, many significant physical, psychological, sexual, reproductive, and social changes occur, making it a critical phase of life. Despite the fact that approximately 21% of Pakistan's population consists of adolescents, the country currently lacks almost any policies focused on promoting adolescent health. Adolescents in Pakistan face significant challenges due to the lack of access to physical, mental, and sexual health services and limited opportunities for physical activity and recreation. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize this population group's health and well-being to address these pressing concerns by employing a holistic approach so that young people can be empowered to make informed decisions.

Keywords

• adolescent health
• pakistan
• developing countries