A new global health study has revealed a worrying trend — deaths among adolescents and young adults are rising in several parts of the world, even as overall global life expectancy improves. The report highlights that while most populations are living longer, young people face growing threats from mental health struggles, substance abuse, accidents, and preventable diseases.
The study shows that life expectancy has returned to pre-pandemic levels, averaging about 76 years for women and 71 years for men. However, in regions like North America, Latin America, and sub-Saharan Africa, young people aged 10 to 24 are dying at higher rates. Experts say this reflects a combination of social pressure, economic hardship, weak health systems, and inadequate mental health support.
In wealthier countries, mental health challenges and drug-related issues have become leading causes of death among young people. Suicides, overdoses, and alcohol abuse are on the rise, especially among teenage girls. Meanwhile, in parts of Africa and South Asia, infectious diseases, unsafe water, malnutrition, and poor access to healthcare remain the main killers of young adults.
Researchers have also pointed to environmental and lifestyle risks such as air pollution, obesity, high blood pressure, and smoking as growing contributors to early mortality. Traffic accidents, violence, and injuries are additional concerns that disproportionately affect young men.
Health experts stress that most of these deaths are preventable with proper intervention. Expanding access to mental health care, improving education about substance use, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure could save countless lives. There is also a growing call for governments to invest in youth-focused health policies that prioritize prevention and early support rather than crisis management.
The findings serve as a wake-up call for the international community. If left unaddressed, the surge in youth mortality could undermine decades of progress in global health and development. With early action and targeted investment, however, experts believe the trend can still be reversed — giving today’s young generation a fair chance at long, healthy lives.