Navigating COVID-19: Young People Voice Their Needs

​For over a year the world has been dealing with a global pandemic. Health care systems are being tested and people are adapting to social restrictions, working from home, virtual school, and the emotional upheaval due to the new “norm.” The effects of COVID-19 on adolescents – who, despite the global pandemic are in a very unique emotional and physical developmental stage – have yet to be seen. However, those who work most closely with adolescents know that support is needed now more than ever.

Laura Offutt, MD, founder and chair of International Adolescent Health Week (IAHW) recognized that the perspectives of young people needed to be voiced and amplified to ensure that their requirements are met during these unpredictable times. The Youth Ambassador program was developed as part of the 2021 IAHW (21-27 March) and comprises young people from 16 countries across 5 continents.  The youths were asked to comment on what young people in their countries needed from IAHW 2021 as we all continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are their responses.

IAHW Youth Ambassadors

“What young people in [my country name] need from IAHW 2021, as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, is…”   

Fran Barrett, United Kingdom
…more access to support – whether this be rapid mental health treatment for those in crisis, or support navigating online work from schools and universities. Young people need to be listened to and valued, rather than being heavily criticised and blamed.

Jessica Forbes, Trinidad & Tobago
…interactive sessions disseminating information to cater to the holistic development of youths.

Freya Feeney, Ireland
…assurance that it is ok to take care of yourself and your body, take a break and focus on the basics of health. I believe teenagers and young people in Ireland need to realise it is not cool to do things that neglect or damage themselves, and it is not only permitted, but necessary, to care for your health – now more than ever.

Forsan Amin, Bangladesh
…to expand sexual and reproductive education, legal solutions to violence against adolescents, ensure good adolescent nutrition, protect maternal health for adolescents, and to secure a comprehensive approach to ensuring adequate services for adolescents with disabilities.

Pranjal Majmudar, India
…more mental health resources and more helplines for the people. Not only have adolescents faced a deterioration in their mental health, but also adults. This is something that has been observed all over the world. Everyone needs mental health support during these tough times, especially the rural population that has seen severe difficulties. We need to spread awareness through every nook and corner of the country; only then can it seriously have a better impact.

Olaniyan Halimat Omowumi, Nigeria
…to address various issues that center on adolescent health; particularly mental health, suicide prevention and depression. With the disruption of the academic system, it has become difficult to navigate sudden changes. In addition to this, they need provision of counselling services and helplines, for contact about issues such as sexual and reproductive health, contraception and sexual abuse.

Meghan Conklin, United States
…reassurance that they are not alone. When youth see that the pandemic affects their international peers, there is inspiration to remain resilient. We may not be the same, but we can bond over the common changes in our lives. It’s easier to feel supported when we know we relate to others across the globe.

Roqibul Hassan, Bangladesh
…for adults to support and protect the mental health of children and young people and bring an end to abuse, gender-based violence, and neglect in childhood.

Axel Shimwa, Rwanda
…to be supported to recover from the collateral consequences of COVID-19 like trauma and abuse they are facing during lockdown, because now the focus of authorities in charge is only on respecting the COVID-19 infection prevention guidelines.

Erinna Pilbeam, England
…a progressive understanding and development of pathways to aid those with chronic invisible illness. Many are now without support, so contributing to deterioration of their mental health. They also need assisting with recovery of wellbeing from their current grief and uncertainty.

Ritah Anindo, Kenya
…advocacy for the development and proper implementation of structures and policies that will assist governments to deal with the consequences of the pandemic. This includes putting in place supportive policies, such as ‘return to school’ policies for adolescent girls who got pregnant during the pandemic, and all the young people who suffered violence during the same period.

Khairunnisa Mubarokah, Indonesia
…information related to adolescent health such as guidelines for managing problems on adolescent health issues in a comprehensive manner. The social needs of adolescents in Indonesia now need to be considered. Suicide cases occur in students who have difficulty with online schooling, so suicide prevention guidelines are needed for adolescents. They need activities that aim to make adolescents get the right information, to reduce psychological and behavioural problems, including anxiety with varying intensities, so that they do not interfere with their concentration and academic performance. Child marriage during the pandemic is increasing, so guidance about pregnancy for adolescents is needed.

Maram Salem, Saudi Arabia
…to feel that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed. There is no doubt that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of young people’s lives, so it is vital that we help in providing coping mechanisms and ways to deal with mental health issues.

Meg Robinson, Australia
…hope, guidance and support while transitioning into a life with COVID-19, and the provision of ongoing education around staying COVID-safe. Increasing adolescent mental health awareness, and better access to health care and support services, is crucial for the health of young individuals, particularly given the rise in isolation and mental health issues they experience as a result of the pandemic.

Kinda Abou-Hamdan, United States
…to address growing concerns about social-emotional wellbeing and mental health, among other pre-existing adolescent health issues — issues that have only been exacerbated due to the pandemic. This will in large part require a strong support network of dependable individuals, which can absolutely include the IAHW Ambassadors, adolescent-focused and adolescent-powered!

Ibrahim Sangolo, Kenya
…to provide a safe space where they can express their issues and challenges faced – and being faced – during these hard times.

Chloé Vérité, France
…to be considered as actors for their own physical, mental and social health through an enhancement of their knowledge and skills, and through the implementation of thematic actions adapted to their needs to enter adulthood in a more serene manner.

This internationally diverse group of young people consistently reported themes including mental health and well-being, availability of accurate information, sexual and reproductive health services, abuse and trauma management, and having their voices heard. As we all continue to battle this global pandemic, let us remember that adolescents are also experiencing multiple challenges and stressors. Many aspects of their lives have been disrupted, and additionally they are keenly aware of the impact of the pandemic on their careers, communities and countries. Adolescents are resilient. If we consider their concerns and provide them with the information, resources, and support they need, these young people will not only navigate their ways through this pandemic, but hopefully emerge stronger and healthier.

For more information, please visit the International Adolescent Health Week website. You can also download their planning toolkit or their social media toolkit to help your organization support and promote IAHW.