Abstract
Investing in young people is considered a high priority for developing a strong foundation for the future and it has higher benefit-cost ratios. Identifying the present environment in Sri Lanka for the health of young people is important for providing recommendations for the future. This desk review was carried out to review the current environment that is facilitating the health of young people in Sri Lanka. The documents relevant for understanding the current context of policies and strategies on the health of young people were studied. Databases including Google Scholar and PubMed, websites, and documents collected from the experts and key persons were searched. A narrative report with key recommendations was prepared by synthesis of the information extracted. According to the review, there are policies, laws guidelines, and programs in Sri Lanka that address youth health and support access for services and also provide an environment that is conducive for access. These are supported directly and indirectly to the access and provision of the health of youth. There are many positive aspects for youth in the areas of education and health, although there are certain challenges and gaps yet to be addressed. There are very few misleading legal frameworks that prevent youth from accessing sexual health services. Restructuring of school and higher education systems, focusing on a skill-based education system, is an investment that will have a direct effect on promoting the health status of youth. The establishment and strengthening of youth-friendly services will be of utmost importance to improve the status of Sri Lankan youth, addressing the health issues in youth will need inter-sectoral collaboration.
Highlights
Youth is the transition period of life from childhood to adulthood
Investing in young people is considered a high priority for developing a strong foundation for the future and it has higher benefit-cost ratios
This desk review was carried out to review the current environment that is facilitating the health of young people in Sri Lanka
Summary
Youth is the transition period of life from childhood to adulthood. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations define 'adolescents' as individuals in the 10-19 years age group and 'youth' as those in the 15-24 years age group. More than 150 documents relevant to health investments for young person’s health were identified and were categorized into different subcategories under the main subheading: reproductive and sexual wellbeing, non-communicable diseases, mental wellbeing, gender equity, substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy of Sri Lankan youth. It identified the policy frameworks and investments in the fields of health, education, employment, social services, and other relevant fields related to youth. Sri Lanka shows contrasting data when compared to the other South-
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