Adolescents
UNICEF works toward the positive and holistic development of every child, from early childhood development through adolescence (the second decade of life).
The challenges
Adolescents in Mongolia face many risks related to their health, reproductive health, education, safety and well-being. Substance abuse and mental health problems are on the rise while their school environment is unsafe from violence. However, these risks remain unaddressed because of insufficient financing, limited human resources and unclear service mechanisms.
There is an urgent need for different sectors come together and implement coordinated action to improve the well-being of adolescents.
There has been a five-fold increase in percentage of suicide from all types of mortality among adolescents aged 10-14 since 2013. Youth between the ages of 15 and 24 made up 39% of the common sexually transmitted infection incidences reported in 2017.
UNICEF actions
UNICEF is working with partners to
- Support the Government in designing and implementing learning programmes specifically for adolescents
- Improve ability of national and subnational health institutions and health professionals in providing adolescent friendly mental and reproductive health services
- Improve knowledge and skills of school social workers and doctors to address adolescent mental health issues
- Promote safe and healthy learning environment
- Use technological innovation to reach adolescents with information and knowledge on reproductive health
Major results achieved
- Based on UNICEF supported Child Development Centers at schools, the Government approved the first policy document on student’s extracurricular activities in schools and developed guidelines for teachers.
- UNICEF supported design and implementation of life skills and peer education programmes for adolescents which helps to build adolescent’s skills necessary for their personal and social development.
- UNICEF organized an Innovation Challenge among young people to find IT-based solutions to empower and engage them. As a result, a mobile phone game application on reproductive health is now being developed for adolescents and young people.
Resources
These resources represent just a small selection of materials related to the Adolescent HIV/AIDS Programme of UNICEF Mongolia and its partners. The list is regularly updated to include the latest information.
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