Young people’s health and well-being in the Middle East and North Africa region, 2023

Case Studies & Research
Amman
UNICEF MENARO
2023
130 p.

This report provides a comprehensive regional analysis of the health status and well-being of adolescents and young people aged 10–24 years across 20 countries in the MENA region. The study undertakes a secondary analysis of nationally comparable quantitative data to map key indicators across multiple domains influencing young people’s well-being, including health and nutrition, education and transition to work, protection, participation, and environmental conditions. The analysis highlights the significant demographic importance of youth in the region, where nearly 140 million young people represent around one quarter of the total population. Despite this demographic opportunity, the report finds a substantial burden of preventable morbidity and mortality among young people. Injuries and violence are the leading causes of death, accounting for roughly half of youth mortality, while non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions represent major contributors to the overall disease burden. Adolescents and youth also face multiple risks that affect their long-term health and social outcomes, including exposure to violence, harmful practices such as child marriage, mental health challenges, and limited access to quality education and employment opportunities. The report further identifies important gender disparities and structural determinants shaping health outcomes. Boys experience higher mortality rates largely due to injuries, violence and risk-taking behaviours, while girls face distinct challenges related to reproductive health, early marriage and barriers to participation in education and the labour market. Across the region, fragile contexts, conflict, displacement and socioeconomic inequalities further compound vulnerabilities for young people. In addition to documenting key health and well-being trends, the report highlights critical gaps in available data, particularly on sexual and reproductive health, mental health, youth participation and experiences of discrimination. It calls for strengthened national data systems, expanded research and improved age- and sex-disaggregated indicators to better inform policy and programming. By providing a comprehensive evidence base, the report aims to support governments, development partners and civil society in designing policies and interventions that promote the health, safety, participation and full potential of young people across the Middle East and North Africa.

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