Beyond the "Neglected Middle": Unlocking the Second Window of Opportunity in Ethiopian Adolescent Health

Abstract

Adolescence (ages 10–19) is a vital period of biological, cognitive, and social development. Globally, over 1.8 billion youth aged 10–24 exist, with 90% living in low- and middle-income countries. In Ethiopia, adolescents and youth comprise over one-third of the population, forming the primary demographic driver of the nation's future. Despite this, adolescent health has historically been secondary to early childhood mortality and adult disease burdens. Re-centering focus on this age group provides a crucial second window of opportunity to consolidate child survival gains, prevent adult chronic disease, and yield a triple dividend for adolescents today, their future adult lives, and subsequent generations.