YHP & UNICEF

Use a maximum of two downloads here

Youth advocacy driving policy change for health

Since 2019, the Young Health Programme and UNICEF have partnered to support a global advocacy movement led by, and for, young people aged 10–24.

Together, we are helping adolescents directly shape the policies that affect their health, with the shared goal of reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases.

Through training, digital engagement platforms and youth-led advocacy initiatives, young people are building the skills and confidence to influence decision-makers and demand healthier environments for their generation.

This partnership is structured around three interconnected pillars:

Building awareness

Ensuring global awareness among decision-makers and young people about the risks and burden of NCDs and the behaviours that drive them.

Empowering young people

Providing platforms and training that enable young people to advocate for their health and wellbeing and hold leaders accountable.

Influencing policy action

Supporting young advocates to engage policymakers and contribute to policies and strategies that promote healthier environments and reduce NCD risk.

Turning youth voices into policy action

A central goal of the partnership is to ensure young people play an active role in shaping policies that affect their health.

Through youth advocacy training, national consultations and engagement with government institutions, young people are helping influence policies related to nutrition, tobacco control, mental health and adolescent wellbeing. To date, the partnership, with the active involvement of YHP youth advocates, has contributed to the adoption, update or protection of 29 laws and policies across multiple countries, helping create healthier environments for adolescents and future generations.

Impact to date

29 policies and laws influenced across six countries.

These outcomes demonstrate how youth-led advocacy can contribute to meaningful policy change and healthier environments for young people worldwide.

Policies influenced through youth advocacy

Brazil

National Mental Health policy – Psychosocial Attention Network

  • Young people engaged through UNICEF-supported platforms and consultations have contributed recommendations to improve Brazil’s National Mental Health Policy, particularly strengthening the Psychosocial Attention Network and adolescent-focused services.

Youth consultations and U-Report polling have also informed the development of Brazil’s Adolescent Health National Plan.

Indonesia

National Health law (Law No. 17 of 2023)

  • Young advocates supported through the partnership contributed policy recommendations during consultations on Indonesia’s health legislation, helping strengthen provisions related to tobacco control and adolescent health protection.

Tobacco control regulation (RPP Kesehatan)

  • Policy development is advancing to strengthen tobacco control, including limits on nicotine and tar levels, restrictions on cigarette sales to minors and stronger regulation of tobacco advertising.
  • Youth-led advocacy and policy briefs helped inform the consultation process.

Smoke-free area regulations

  • Youth advocacy initiatives contributed to expanding smoke-free regulations across hundreds of districts in Indonesia.

Jamaica

National School Nutrition policy

  • Following consultations involving young people and youth advocacy networks, Jamaica’s National School Nutrition Policy was finalised and submitted for government approval. The policy aims to improve the food environment in schools and promote healthier diets among young people.

National Mental Health policy (under development)

  • Youth advocates have engaged with government officials and presented recommendations to strengthen national mental health policies prioritising child and adolescent wellbeing.

Papua New Guinea

National Child and Adolescent Health policy and strategic plan (2021–2030)

  • Advocacy and technical support have contributed to strengthening this national policy framework, which guides the government’s approach to adolescent health and wellbeing.

South Africa

National NCD and Obesity strategies

  • Youth advocates trained through the programme are engaging with policymakers to support the implementation of national NCD and obesity strategies, including efforts to improve food environments through legislative reform.

Angola

Adolescent Health and Wellbeing policy engagement

  • Youth advocates supported through the partnership have participated in consultations and advocacy initiatives focused on strengthening national policies addressing adolescent health, nutrition and the prevention of non-communicable diseases.
  • These engagements are helping ensure that the perspectives and priorities of young people are reflected in national health policy discussions and programme development.

Belize

National NCD Prevention and Adolescent Health policies

  • Youth advocates have engaged with policymakers and national stakeholders to promote stronger policies addressing non-communicable disease prevention and adolescent health.
  • Through youth-led advocacy and consultations, young people have contributed perspectives on creating healthier environments and strengthening national strategies that support the health and wellbeing of adolescents.

Read more about our work