In the dynamic landscape of global development, youth play an indispensable role in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which aims at ensuring and pioneering "Health and Well-being for All" healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The goal aims at avoiding needless suffering from diseases and premature deaths which can be prevented along with boosting the health of the overall population. With their energy, innovation, and unique perspectives, young people are not just beneficiaries of health initiatives but are emerging as critical drivers of change in the healthcare sector.
Understanding SDG 3
SDG 3 is a comprehensive goal that targets a wide array of health issues, including reducing maternal mortality, ending epidemics of communicable diseases, achieving universal health coverage, and ensuring access to safe, effective, and affordable medicines and vaccines. After all, a nation's development and prosperity is not guaranteed unless the quality of life for citizens is not insured. This goal underscores the necessity of a holistic approach to health, integrating prevention, treatment, education, and policy-making to create sustainable health systems.
Learn more about SDG 3 - https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal3
Youth Related Health Issues
The health of young adults and children is very diversified around the globe. The mortality rates of youth in sub Saharan African countries is pretty high, and in comparison it is quite lower in other north American and European countries. The difference in mortality rates is also evident as the mortality rate of males is higher than that of females along the age group 10-24.
In India the youth mortality rate remains low and a declining trend could be seen from 2.4 in 1971 to 0.7 in 2019 between the age group of 15-19 years old. Although the mortality rate of the female population is higher than that of the male population in this age group until 2015, a declining curve could be seen attributing to better medical facilities and increase in the age of conception.
Youth in India 2022 report by MOSPI-
The reason behind health issues among children from 10-14 is primarily because of infectious diseases but a shift from that to self harm, road accidents, drug use, violence and conflicts and degrading mental health can be seen as the major cause of health issues among the older youth.
The impact of youth health issues
Adolescent and youth health problems are multifaceted and include many social, physical and mental problems. The impact of these challenges not only affects individual influences, but has a greater impact on society as a whole. In a developing country like India, the health problems of the future economically productive population cast a long shadow over the country's growth.
Young people's health problems burden the health care system, increasing medical costs, reducing productivity and can have a significant impact on educational outcomes. Malnutrition, chronic diseases and mental health problems lead to absenteeism, poor academic performance and higher dropout rates. A young population struggling with health problems could limit a nation's economic potential growth. The health of young people is directly related to the social stability and development of the country. High rates of illness and mental health problems can lead to increased crime, drug addiction and social unrest. Investing in the health of young people is crucial to building a stable and prosperous society.
Major health issues
1. Communicable diseases like HIV and Tuberculosis are still prevalent among young adults, although there has been a decline in youths. Tuberculosis or TB is curable but creates an obstacle to the growth of young adults. Children and young adults aged under 15 years represent about 11% of all people with TB globally. While 10% of new HIV infections are still adolescents and three quarters of that are young females, it is possible that some of the youth living with HIV still don't know about it.
2. Alcohol, Drug use and Tobacco are major leading problems in creating health issues and premature death for young adolescents. More than a quarter of youths aging from 15-19 are found to be current drinkers and that can further lead to episodic drinking habits. Cannabis is the most widely used psychoactive drug among young people and the reasons lead to experimentation and identity forming and easy availability on the streets. Children use it to cope with the daily cycles of sexual, physical and mental abuse.
3. Mental Health is an issue that has been ignored due to a lot of stigma surrounding it until recent times. The way it has been seen as a sign of weakness has led to ignorance on this matter, whereas depression and anxiety is the leading cause of illness in adolescents, sometimes proving to be fatal too. Suicides are among the leading causes of deaths among children aged 15-19.
To learn more about Youth Related Health Issues- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescents-health-risks-and-solutions
Role of Youth in pioneering Health and Well Being for all
The current generation of youth, with 1.8 billion individuals aged 10 to 24 are anticipated to increase; it is estimated that 1.9 billion young people will reach 15 between 2015 and 2030 alone. Young people are more connected than ever before, and they act as change agents by organizing to advance the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to enhance both the quality of life and the health of the environment.
In order to help the 2030 Agenda into becoming regional, national, and municipal policy, youth-led groups must be supported and should be given more authority. They are crucial to the Agenda's execution, oversight, and evaluation as well as to keeping governments responsible.
1. Advocacy and Awareness:
Youth are at the forefront of advocacy efforts, raising awareness about critical health issues through social media campaigns, community workshops, and public speaking engagements. Their ability to mobilize peers and influence public opinion makes them powerful advocates for health equity and access to care. For instance, youth-led initiatives have significantly contributed to awareness campaigns on HIV/AIDS, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health.
2. Innovation and Technology:
Young innovators are leveraging technology to create solutions that improve health outcomes. From developing mobile health apps that provide remote medical consultations to creating platforms that disseminate health information, youth are harnessing the power of technology to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery. These technological advancements are particularly vital in reaching underserved populations in remote and rural areas.
3. Community Engagement:
Youth are deeply embedded in their communities and understand local health challenges better than anyone. By participating in or leading community health projects, they ensure that health interventions are culturally sensitive and tailored to meet the specific needs of their communities. Programs like youth health clubs and peer education initiatives exemplify how young people can drive health improvements at the grassroots level.
4. Policy and Leadership:
Young leaders are increasingly involved in policy-making processes, advocating for policies that prioritize health and well-being. Their participation ensures that the voices of youth are represented in decisions that affect their lives and futures. Youth-led organizations and networks often collaborate with governments and international bodies to influence health policies and promote sustainable development.
5. Volunteerism as a Strategy:
Volunteerism is a powerful strategy for youth development in health. By engaging in volunteer activities, young people gain practical experience, develop new skills, and build a sense of responsibility towards their communities. Volunteering provides opportunities for youth to contribute to health initiatives directly, whether through organizing health camps, participating in public health awareness campaigns, or providing peer support. This hands-on involvement not only benefits the community but also fosters personal growth and civic engagement among youth.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the contribution of youth to SDG 3 is significant, they face several challenges, including limited access to resources, inadequate training, and insufficient recognition of their efforts. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from governments, NGOs, and the private sector to provide young people with the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
According to ▶ India Employment Report 2024 released by Institute for Human Development and International Labor Organization, 82.9% of the unemployed population was made up of young people. Additionally, the percentage of young individuals with education among all unemployed persons climbed from 54.2% in 2000 to 65.7% in 2022.
Opportunities for Empowerment
Youth empowerment is an opportunity in itself to not only educate the younger generation about their formal rights and roles in the development of the society as a whole but also in concrete experience of their rights. Improving the quality of life and participation in youth empowerment programs has been institutionalized by various non-profit organizations, government organizations, schools or private organizations.
1. Education and Training: Providing comprehensive education and training programs can equip youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive health initiatives.
2. Funding and Resources: Increased funding for youth-led health projects can enable more significant impact and innovation.
3. Mentorship and Support: Establishing mentorship programs can help young people navigate challenges and build effective health interventions.
4. Platforms for Participation: Creating platforms for youth participation in policy-making can amplify their voices and ensure their ideas are considered in health policies.
Conclusion
The involvement of youth in achieving SDG 3 is not just beneficial but essential. Their creativity, resilience, and commitment to health and well-being are pivotal in building a healthier future for all. By investing in young people, promoting volunteerism, and creating an enabling environment for their participation, we can harness their potential to accelerate progress towards SDG 3 and ensure that health and well-being are universally realized. The journey towards achieving SDG 3 is a shared responsibility, and youth are at the heart of this transformative endeavor.
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