Give children control; supporting adolescent health and wellbeing

The BMJ Podcast

This is the second episode of a special three-part podcast series that delves into adolescent health and wellbeing, focusing on creating a positive trajectory of health from a young age.

The podcast explores physical and mental health issues affecting young people globally, particularly in sexual and reproductive health. We hear how young people are excluded from decisions about their own health, and how grassroots groups around the world are empowering them to take responsibility for their own wellbeing.

We also hear how young people are becoming leaders in social movements, from tackling structural racism to improving nutrition in schools, and how their unique perspectives are vital in making those changes.

Our guests:

Natasha Salifyanji Kaoma, Copper Rose Zambia

Alaa Murabit, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Donald Bundy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Anshu Banerjee, World Health Organisation

Dev Sharma, Bite Back 2030

Hosted by Adam Levy

Supported by the Fondation Botnar and PMNCH, the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health. Read the full cCollection of articles showing the importance of investing in adolescent wellbeing.

00:05 Introduction to adolescent health

01:00 Young womens’ menstrual health

02:11 Discussion on candid pride project

03:29 Importance of sexual and reproductive health

04:49 The role of young people in health advocacy

06:17 The epidemiology of early health and lifecourse

10:08 Impact of adolescent health on future generations

18:29 How young people become activists

28:51 Advocacy for women in Libya

28:54 Global forum for adolescents

40:15 Success stories

44:54 Conclusion and preview of next episode