WHO Launches Web Version of Updated Guide to Empowering Adolescent Health

Image Credit, Gean Lucas Belem Gi

Geneva,– The World Health Organization (WHO) today unveiled a major step forward in its mission to improve adolescent health and well-being with the launch of the web version of its second edition Global Accelerated Action for the Health of Adolescents (AA-HA!) guidance. This web-based resource offers a user-friendly and accessible platform, marking a significant advancement from the previous edition.

“Adolescence is a critical stage in life, laying the foundation for lifelong health and well-being,” said Dr. Anshu Banerjee, Director of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent and Ageing at WHO. “The updated AA-HA! guidance equips governments with vital knowledge and tools to address the unique needs and challenges of this population.”

The web AA-HA! boasts several key features designed to enhance accessibility and user experience:

• Inclusive Design: The platform prioritizes accessibility for users with disabilities, ensuring everyone can access the information regardless of limitations.
• Seamless Navigation: Intuitive navigation across chapters and hyperlinks to relevant external content and multimedia resources make the content engaging and easy to explore.
• Live Updates: Users can stay informed with the latest WHO estimates on adolescent mortality and morbidity, displayed in real-time, and access new resources as they become available.

The second edition of the AA-HA! guidance provides comprehensive information for governments to develop and implement effective adolescent health programs. It highlights the latest data on adolescent health and well-being, including:

• Top causes of death: Globally, road injuries lead the list for adolescent males, while diarrhoeal diseases and tuberculosis claim the lives of many young females.
• Shifting priorities: The guidance outlines updated core indicators for data collection, reflecting evolving adolescent health needs.

“Informed by the AA-HA! guidance, more governments are investing in evidence-based programs built in collaboration with young people,” Dr. Banerjee stated. “This revised edition strengthens our commitment to working closely with adolescents and youth, as exemplified by our partnerships with UN agencies and the newly formed WHO Youth Council.”

Developed in collaboration with UN Women, UNAIDS, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, WFP, and PMNCH, the AA-HA! web version represents a significant collaboration for adolescent health. This easily accessible resource empowers governments, healthcare providers, and individuals to create a world where every adolescent can thrive.