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Adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean face problems of vulnerability with long-lasting consequences for themselves and their communities, unless urgently addressed, reducing their chances of survival and healthy lives.
The recent COVID-19 outbreak has increased stress and anxiety levels among teenagers in the region, reducing physical activity and reducing access to healthy foods, harming their health and limiting access to health services. Interpersonal violence, road traffic injuries and suicide are the leading causes of death among young people. It is estimated that 41 percent of deaths among adolescent boys 15-19 and 11 percent among adolescent girls 15-19 are due to interpersonal conflict. Girls experience higher rates of sexual violence and psychological abuse than boys, which is associated with suicide among victims of violence. One in seven teenagers suffer from a mental disorder, with the most common mental disorders in teenagers being anxiety and depression. The region has one of the highest adolescent birth rates in the world, with a higher rate of adolescent girls compared to girls with lower levels of education. Adolescent girls meet their family planning needs with modern methods, compared to older women.
The evidence presented in this report reminds us that there is no time to waste in leading a healthy life for the youth of the region and that it is an urgent call that requires immediate and concerted action.
The report makes an urgent call to policy makers to take action to improve the living conditions and prospects of young people in LAC using a multi-sectoral, equitable and evidence-based approach. Specific recommendations include strengthening health systems and access to services, empowering adolescents with interventions and solutions to their problems, promoting good mental health, and integrating mental health services into primary health care systems.
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