WHO highlights leading causes of death in young people 
 
Geneva, 11 Sept-(ANA)-A study of global and regional patterns of mortality in young people has shown that 2.6 million of them die every year. 
 
 
The study, backed by the World Health Organisation, WHO, looked into the global patterns of death among people aged between 10-24 years of age and found that road traffic accidents, complications during pregnancy and child birth, suicide, violence, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) are the major causes of mortality.

Most causes of death of young people are preventable and treatable, the study says, adding that 97% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. 
 
 
There are more young people in the world today than ever before -- 1.8 billion, accounting for 30% of the world's population, the report says.

  
 
Daisy Mafubelu, WHO's Assistant Director-General for Family and Community Health, said: "Young people are transitioning from childhood to adulthood - at the threshold of becoming productive members of society - yet they often fall through the cracks.

“It is clear from these findings that considerable investment is needed - not only from the health sector, but also from sectors including education, welfare, transport, and justice - to improve access to information and services, and help young people avoid risky behaviours that can lead to death." (ANA)

FA/ANA/11 September 2009---