From the Editor
Adolescence, defined by WHO as the period between 10 and 19 years, is an important formative time which, to a large extent, shape the future coins of girls and boys lives.
During adolescence, the physical, intellectual and emotional characteristics and pattern of childhood are gradually replaced by adult one, and the girls and boys progressively evolve into a state of relative
socio-economic independence.
Having survived the vulnerable period of infancy and childhood, adolescents are generally healthy. Yet the risk taking behaviour and experimentation
associated with adolescence makes them vulnerable to health problems. For girls, this is compounded by increased health risks from pregnancy and childbirth and the effect of gender discrimination.
Health problems in adolescence can be divided into two categories: those originating in childhood which affects adolescents, such as foetal malnutrition and repeated infections and those originating in
adolescence which have lifelong health consequences, such as the use of tobacco or drugs and unprotected sex. WHO (1998) estimates that 70 per cent of
premature deaths among adults are largely due to behaviour initiated during adolescence.
At the present time it appears that a balanced view is emerging which stresses the need for supporting the adolescents without robbing them their
individuality. Our cover story this week is on Adolescents Health.The articles and information provided would help health professionals, informed and concerned
readers and adolescents themselves.
