Blog

Introduction 

Every generation of young people grows up in a world shaped by its own realities. For some, the greatest concerns may be access to education and employment; for others, economic uncertainty, social inequality, climate change, digital pressures or access to quality healthcare may define their everyday experiences. Yet, beneath these different realities lies a shared aspiration: young people want to live healthy, meaningful and fulfilling lives, with the opportunity to learn, work, lead and contribute to their communities. [1,2] 

This year’s International Youth Day, commemorated on 12 August 2026, brought this shared aspiration into focus under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.” The theme recognises that while young people experience different social, economic, and cultural realities, they share common aspirations for dignity, opportunity, participation, and a better future. [2] 

One of the most important foundations for achieving these aspirations is health. 

A young person cannot fully take advantage of educational opportunities, pursue a career, participate meaningfully in society or become an effective leader when their physical or mental well-being is neglected. This makes investment in youth health not simply a health-sector priority, but an investment in stronger families, communities, economies and societies. [2] 

Beyond Surviving: Creating Conditions for Young People to Thrive 

When we talk about youth health, the conversation often focuses on disease prevention and access to healthcare. These remain important, but the well-being of young people is much broader. 

Health encompasses physical, mental and social well-being. It includes having access to nutritious food, opportunities for physical activity, safe environments, quality healthcare, accurate health information, supportive relationships and spaces where young people can express themselves without fear of stigma or discrimination. [3,4] 

Mental health, in particular, deserves greater attention. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2025 one in seven adolescents aged 10–19 years experiences a mental health condition globally. Depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. [4] 

These figures remind us that being young does not automatically mean being free from health challenges. 

Academic expectations, unemployment, financial pressures, social-media comparisons, relationship challenges, discrimination, uncertainty about the future and other pressures can affect young people’s mental and emotional well-being. At the same time, many young people who need support do not receive it. [3] 

Creating a healthier future therefore requires us to move beyond asking young people to simply “be resilient.” We must also create environments that make resilience possible; through supportive families and communities, responsive health systems, safe schools and workplaces, meaningful opportunities and accessible mental health support. [3] 

Healthy youth communities should promote: 

1. Physical well-being through healthy nutrition, physical activity, preventive care, and access to appropriate health services. [3,5] 

1. Mental and emotional well-being through supportive relationships, mental health awareness, early intervention, and reduced stigma. [4] 

1. Healthy decision-making by ensuring that young people have access to accurate, understandable health information. 

1. Digital well-being by helping young people navigate social media, misinformation and the pressures associated with digital spaces. [4] 

1. Sexual and reproductive health through age-appropriate information and access to appropriate services. [3] 

1. Safe and healthy environments that protect young people from violence, harmful substances, discrimination and other risks. [3] 

1. Meaningful participation by ensuring young people have opportunities to influence the decisions and policies that affect their lives. [2] 

The WHO emphasises the importance of addressing mental health, preventing violence and harmful behaviours, promoting healthy lifestyles and ensuring that adolescents have access to appropriate health services. [3] 

This is why youth well-being should not be viewed as a separate issue from education, employment, leadership or development. A healthy young population is better positioned to become an educated, productive and engaged population. [3] 

From Health Recipients to Health Changemakers 

Young people should not only be viewed as beneficiaries of health programmes. They are also important partners, advocates, innovators and decision-makers. [1] 

Across communities, young people are already using their voices and skills to raise awareness, challenge misinformation, promote healthy behaviours and advocate for better policies. [1] 

This is particularly important in tackling public-health challenges that require behavioural and societal change, including antimicrobial resistance (AMR). [8] 

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines, making infections more difficult to treat. Inappropriate and excessive use of antimicrobials contributes to the development and spread of resistance, while resistant organisms can circulate among people, animals, food systems and the environment. [13,14] 

The scale of the challenge is significant. A major global analysis estimated that bacterial AMR was directly attributable to approximately 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and associated with approximately 4.95 million deaths overall. The burden is particularly significant in low- and middle-income settings. [8] 

Young people have an important role to play in addressing this challenge. They interact with health systems, medicines, communities and digital information environments every day and can influence behaviours among their peers, families and wider communities. Youth engagement can therefore complement technical interventions by helping to translate AMR knowledge into everyday action. [14,12] 

Ducit Blue Foundation’s Commitment: Investing in Young People 

At Ducit Blue Foundation (DBF), the belief that young people are essential partners in building healthier communities is reflected in the Foundation’s work to develop capacity and empower young people across Africa. 

According to the Ducit Blue Foundation, its work includes capacity empowerment, strategies for combating antimicrobial resistance, research and development, youth productivity, decision-making and advocacy. [7] 

A key component of this work is the AMR One-Health Pan-African Internship and Mentorship Programme, which equips young One Health professionals with knowledge, skills and networks to contribute to tackling antimicrobial resistance across Africa. The programme brings together young people from different disciplines, reflecting the interconnected nature of the One Health approach. [10] 

Through its internship and mentorship programmes, DBF provides opportunities for young people to participate in technical learning, leadership development, research, advocacy, collaborative projects and professional networking. [10]