New Global Report Flags Crisis in Teen and Young Adult Health
A landmark study published in The Lancet has revealed what researchers call “an emerging crisis” — rising death rates among teenagers and young adults worldwide. The Global Burden of Disease study, involving 16,500 scientists and more than 300,000 data sources, highlights that while overall global life expectancy has improved, younger generations are facing increasing health risks driven by mental illness, substance use, and preventable diseases.
The analysis, presented at the World Health Summit in Berlin, shows that although mortality has declined across 204 countries since 1950, a disturbing pattern is emerging: deaths among adolescents and young adults are climbing in both wealthy and developing nations. Researchers warn this trend reflects growing mental health challenges, drug misuse, and systemic healthcare weaknesses.
Teen and Young Adult Deaths Rising Across Regions
In North America and parts of Latin America, the report identifies suicide and drug and alcohol use as leading contributors to rising mortality among young people. “Very marked increases among teenagers and young adults certainly got our attention,” said Dr. Christopher Murray, director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington. He linked the rise to escalating anxiety and depression, particularly among young women, noting that “the causes remain widely debated — from social media to post-pandemic effects.”
In sub-Saharan Africa, the study found higher-than-expected death rates among children aged five to 14, driven by infectious diseases and accidents. For young women aged 15 to 29, deaths were 61% higher than previously estimated, largely due to pregnancy-related complications, road injuries, and meningitis. These findings underscore a widening gap in healthcare access and maternal health infrastructure across low-income regions.
Chronic Diseases and Mental Health Now Dominate Global Burden
Globally, chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes now account for two-thirds of all health problems. Mental health disorders are surging, compounding the strain on healthcare systems already struggling to manage the lingering effects of the pandemic. The study estimates that half of the world’s disease burden is preventable — linked to risk factors like high blood pressure, obesity, air pollution, and smoking.
Despite overall improvements, global life expectancy still reflects deep inequality: women now live an average of 76.3 years and men 71.5, but the regional gap remains stark, from 83 years in high-income areas to just 62 in sub-Saharan Africa.
Experts Call for Youth-Centered and Integrated Health Policies
Dr. Githinji Gitahi, CEO of Amref Health Africa, called the findings “a wake-up call” for global leaders. With 60% of Africa’s population under 25, he said, “health is the most powerful investment we can make.” Gitahi emphasized the need for integrated healthcare, warning that “siloed approaches” are failing young people as both infectious and non-communicable diseases threaten their lives.
He also pointed to weak nutrition regulation and lack of education in urban areas, contributing to rising obesity and chronic illness among Africa’s youth. Similarly, Emmanuela Gakidou, a senior author of the study, warned that cuts to global health aid are putting decades of progress at risk, especially in low-income regions that depend on international funding for vaccines and essential medicine.
“The evidence is a wake-up call,” Murray concluded. “We must act now to protect the next generation from a public health crisis that is already unfolding.”