High Youth Death Rates are an ‘Emerging Crisis’, Global Health Study Warns

A new Global Burden of Disease study highlights an emerging public health crisis: rising death rates among teenagers and young adults, even as overall global mortality falls. In North and Latin America, increases are linked to suicide, alcohol, and drug use, often tied to surging anxiety and depression. In sub-Saharan Africa, infectious diseases, injuries, and maternal deaths remain major threats.

Mental health challenges, non-communicable diseases, and gaps in health systems are driving preventable illness and death. Experts emphasize urgent, youth-centered public health strategies, stronger health systems, and sustained global investment to protect and improve young people’s health worldwide. Read more from The Guardian here.