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MedNext Journal of Medical and Health Sciences
Review
DOI: 10.54448/mdnt22104
Submitted: 08-02-2022
Published: 08-02-2022

The health of young people in Sri Lanka: conducive environment for road to adulthood – a desk review

Directorate of Policy Analysis & Development, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka
Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka
Health Youth Adulthood Policies Strategies on health

Abstract

Investing in young people is considered a high priority for developing a strong foundation for the future and it has higher benefit-cost ratios. Identifying the present environment in Sri Lanka for the health of young people is important for providing recommendations for the future.  This desk review was carried out to review the current environment that is facilitating the health of young people in Sri Lanka. The documents relevant for understanding the current context of policies and strategies on the health of young people were studied. Databases including Google Scholar and PubMed, websites, and documents collected from the experts and key persons were searched. A narrative report with key recommendations was prepared by synthesis of the information extracted. According to the review, there are policies, laws guidelines, and programs in Sri Lanka that address youth health and support access for services and also provide an environment that is conducive for access. These are supported directly and indirectly to the access and provision of the health of youth. There are many positive aspects for youth in the areas of education and health, although there are certain challenges and gaps yet to be addressed. There are very few misleading legal frameworks that prevent youth from accessing sexual health services. Restructuring of school and higher education systems, focusing on a skill-based education system, is an investment that will have a direct effect on promoting the health status of youth. The establishment and strengthening of youth-friendly services will be of utmost importance to improve the status of Sri Lankan youth, addressing the health issues in youth will need inter-sectoral collaboration.

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How to Cite

Vidanapathirana, J., & Wijegoonewardene, N. (2022). The health of young people in Sri Lanka: conducive environment for road to adulthood – a desk review. MedNEXT Journal of Medical and Health Sciences, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.54448/mdnt22104