Areas of Focus: Safe, healthy lives

Adolescence is recognised as a critical stage in one's life, during which many behavioural patterns that can determine current health status and future health and economic outcomes are established. It's a crucial time for human development.

According to the World Health Organization, half of all mental health disorders in adulthood start by age 14, but most cases are undetected and untreated. 

Mental health, resiliency, and well-being are fundamental to the quality of life and productivity of individuals, families, communities, and nations. Good mental health and resiliency enables young people to experience life as meaningful and to overcome adversity. And it equips them to thrive during good times and cope in the face of challenges.

We focus on both mental health and sexual and reproductive health, and prioritise keeping girls and other marginalised young people free from domestic, sexual, and community violence, including hate crimes and gang violence. This includes (but is not limited to): sexual and gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, trafficking, rape, sexual abuse, and forced/early marriage.

We aim to ensure that young people, and adolescent girls and young women in particular, have access to integrated sexual and reproductive health information and services. Young people should understand and be able to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights—free of coercion, discrimination, and violence.