One in every five people in the world is an adolescent, and 85% of them live in developing countries. According to World Health Organization report, nearly two thirds of premature deaths and one third of the total disease burden in adults are associated with conditions or behaviours that began in youth, including tobacco use, a lack of physical activity, unprotected sex or exposure to violence. Promoting healthy practices during adolescence and efforts that better protect this age group from risks will ensure longer, more productive lives for many. At least 20% of young people will experience some form of mental illness - such as depression, mood disturbances, substance abuse, suicidal behaviours or eating disorders. Promoting mental health and responding to problems if they arise requires a range of adolescent-friendly health care and counselling services in communities. Among 15-19 year olds, suicide is the second leading cause of death, followed by violence in the community and family.
