Dear HIFA and CHIFA (child health) colleagues,
Citation, summary and comment from me below.
CITATION: Global research priority-setting exercise on the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young adolescents
Lohan, Maria et al.
The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 2025
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352-4642(25)00190-7/abstract
SUMMARY
Adolescence is a pivotal stage for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Young adolescents (aged 10–14 years) undergo sexual and reproductive maturation, yet research on their SRHR lags behind that of older adolescents. To address this gap, WHO commissioned a research priority-setting exercise focused on the SRHR of young adolescents using an adapted mixed-methods Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative methodology. Over 300 stakeholders from more than 60 countries—including academics, policy makers, advocates, and youth advisors—participated in defining and evaluating research priorities against two evaluation criteria: answerability and impact. 30 research priorities were identified, with top-ranked priorities focusing on the role of social media in young adolescents' SRHR, mental health challenges, and disparities in SRHR needs among marginalised subpopulations. The findings highlight the importance of ethical engagement with young adolescents and implementation of tailored comprehensive sexuality education. The identified research priorities emphasise the need for scalable interventions and policies that align with young adolescents' developmental needs and the needs of their caregivers while addressing sociocultural barriers. The research priorities also reflect a clear ambition to develop and implement co-designed, age-appropriate, and scalable SRHR education and health interventions for young adolescents, laying the foundation for long-term wellbeing.
COMMENT (NPW): The full text is restricted-access but thanks to The Lancet's in-kind support for HIFA I have access in my role as moderator.
This confirms that the number one research question/priority is: 'How does the use of social media affect young adolescents' SRHR — both positively and negatively?'
A related question — where do young adolescents seek information? - was ranked seventh in the top ten priorities.
I am impressed with the methodology of the exercise. Typically this involves a select group of 'experts' whereas this exercise embraced the views of over 300 stakeholders. I would see communities of practice like HIFA and CHIFA having a complementary role, soliciting input from an even wider body of people. This would also be more inclusive as *anyone* would be able to have their say.
HIFA and CHIFA stand ready to explore these issues further through sponsored discussion(s) on the forums: see www.hifa.org/projects
Best wishes, Neil
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org