By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The World Health Organization, WHO, has called for an urgent integration of the mental health of adolescents into the mainstream health systems to cater for the growing mental health concerns of this vulnerable group.
The WHO, Nigeria Country Representative, Dr. Pavel Ursu made this call in his speech on the commemoration of the 2025 International Adolescent Health Week ,(IAHW) on Monday.
Dr. Ursu quoted Nigeria’s 2018 Report Activity of Children and Youths, which shows that about 20- 30% engage in health enhancing physical activity.”
Considering this, he decried a situation where the physical and mental health services are not adequately tailored to adolescents.
To close the gap of mental health challenges in adolescents, the WHO chieftain stressed “the urgent need for governments to integrate people-centered services that are promotive, preventive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative.”
“ In Nigeria, mental health literacy is low, stigma remains high, and services are inadequate—despite rising rates of mental health conditions.”
In a call to action, Dr. Ursu urged for empowerment of adolescents to face the complexities of today’s world.
“Let us reaffirm our commitment to adolescent health and well-being. This is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage”, he stated.
“Globally, 10–20% of adolescents experience mental health disorders, with most conditions beginning between ages 11 and 18. Three-quarters of these disorders manifest by the mid-20s.”
According to him, adolescent deaths significantly contribute to Nigeria’s high maternal mortality ratio, adding that prevention of adolescent deaths will positively impact maternal health outcomes.
He noted that contributing factors to adolescents mental health disorders include substance use, poverty, social instability, unemployment, and the breakdown of traditional family support systems.
Depression and psychosis are among the most common mental health issues affecting Nigerian youth, he noted.
The WHO Regional Framework for Mental Health encourages Member States to integrate mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into health systems, ensuring services reach even the most vulnerable—including adolescents.
He urged that safe spaces should be created where adolescents can voice concerns, share experiences, and access support.
Daybreak reports that the International Adolescent Health Week is a global annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the health and development needs of adolescents.
