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  5. Global Adolescent Health
Working groups
Adolescent Health 510 X 230 Template
Alexandra (Ali) Head Julie Hennegan Elissa Kennedy
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Global Adolescent Health

We invest in adolescents: reaping benefits now, into future adult life and for the next generation of children.

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About

Adolescents account for a quarter of the world’s population, the largest cohort of 10–24-year-olds in history. In countries like Papua New Guinea and Myanmar, adolescents account for almost a third of the population. This generation provides unprecedented opportunities to advance global health, gender equality and sustainable development.

Adolescence is a critical period of human development. It coincides with new health needs and opportunities to improve health and wellbeing into adulthood and for the next generation of children.   

Most of the world’s adolescents live in Asia and the Pacific. They experience a high burden of preventable poor health. They also face substantial barriers to accessing services and supports that respond to their unique needs.

Adolescents are also often excluded from research and decision-making about programs and policies that affect their lives.

Our group focuses on: 

  • sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender (including menstrual health) 

  • mental health 

  • non-communicable diseases. 

Our approach includes collaborative research, co-design and innovation with young people.  

We work with young people as experts, partners and advocates in understanding their health needs and in developing and evaluating new solutions. We also focus on youth-led and community-based approaches, and strategies to strengthen adolescent-centred health systems. 

Burnet Logo Trademark Presentation (1)
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RAILS Monthly Youth Group Meeting At No 2 BEMS Dawei Library.
Sexual & Reproductive Health P8 Small Photo Jaylene David Humphreys
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Current projects

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Adolescent reproductive health in Myanmar

Adolescent reproductive health in Myanmar

This project provide formative research to support the delivery of life-skills education and hygiene improvements through monastic schools in Magway, Myanmar.

Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing

Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing

Despite the incentives to invest in adolescent health, progress for the world’s adolescents has been slow.

Non-communicable diseases in adolescents in Indonesia

Non-communicable diseases in adolescents in Indonesia

This study follows Indonesian adolescents to inform non-communicable disease policy and programming.

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Past projects

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Quantifying early marriage and union in Southeast Asia

Quantifying early marriage and union in Southeast Asia

While much of the policy focus in Southeast Asia has been on ending traditional forms of child marriage, there is increasing recognition that not all early unions are non-consensual or formal.

Understanding Pathways to Adolescent Pregnancy in Southeast Asia

Understanding Pathways to Adolescent Pregnancy in Southeast Asia

We aim to improve understanding of the drivers and pathways to adolescent pregnancy in Southeast Asia.

Integrated Multi-Sectoral Approach (IMSA) to improve the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents in Magway, Myanmar

Integrated Multi-Sectoral Approach (IMSA) to improve the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents in Magway, Myanmar

The project works to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health in the Magwey Region, Myanmar.

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News and features

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It’s time to act on adolescent health

It’s time to act on adolescent health

How to reach people most in need of free period products

How to reach people most in need of free period products

Menstrual cups are safe and sustainable – but they can be tricky for first-time users, our new study shows

Menstrual cups are safe and sustainable – but they can be tricky for first-time users, our new study shows

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Reports and other work

  • Strengthening Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Systems and Services for Children and Adolescents in East Asia and the Pacific Region. Regional Report

    Report

  • My Body is My Body, My Life is My Life: Sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people in Asia and the Pacific

    My Body is My Body, My Life is My Life [PDF 8.9MB]

  • Review of menstrual health and hygiene in the East Asia and Pacific region

    Report

    Review of menstrual health and hygiene in the East Asia and Pacific region

  • Menstrual Health Evidence

    Evidence for improved menstrual health.

    Menstrual health evidence website

  • Global adolescent health website

    This webpage is affiliated with the Centre for Adolescent Health, which is part of the Melbourne Children’s campus in Parkville, Australia, which brings together three key partners for research and education: The Royal Children’s Hospital, the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics.

    Global adolescent health website

Group contacts

Dr Elissa Kennedy

Dr Elissa Kennedy

Co-Program Director, Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health; Co-Head Global Adolescent Health
elissa.kennedy@burnet.edu.au +61392822119
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Student supervisor contacts

Associate Professor Stephen Bell

Associate Professor Stephen Bell

Principal Research Fellow; Theme Lead, Social Science and Global Health
Burnet Institute
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Group members

Dr Elissa Kennedy

Dr Elissa Kennedy

Co-Program Director, Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health; Co-Head Global Adolescent Health
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Dr Julie Hennegan

Dr Julie Hennegan

Senior Research Fellow
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Alexandra (Ali) Head

Alexandra (Ali) Head

Research Assistant
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Aye Thida Win

Aye Thida Win

Area Manager (Magway), Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health
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Karly Cini

Karly Cini

Research Officer
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Dr Kyu Kyu Than

Dr Kyu Kyu Than

Research Director (Myanmar Program)
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Dr Marie Habito

Dr Marie Habito

Senior Research Officer
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Dr Phone Myint Win

Dr Phone Myint Win

Country Representative, Myanmar
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Associate Professor Stephen Bell

Associate Professor Stephen Bell

Principal Research Fellow; Theme Lead, Social Science and Global Health
Burnet Institute
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Theint Theint Maung Aye

Theint Theint Maung Aye

Technical Specialist - Adolescent Heath
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Dr Thomas Stubbs

Dr Thomas Stubbs

Senior Research Officer
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