This course provides the knowledge, conceptual frameworks and tools necessary to strengthen health sector policies and programmes for adolescent health and development.

Investing in the health and development of adolescents is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting public health and ensuring economic development. Not only do adolescents suffer significant mortality and morbidity, but most adult health problems, from HIV to lung cancer and heart disease, have their roots in attitudes and behaviours that start during the second decade of life.

There is increasing evidence for effective interventions to improve adolescents’ health and development, and growing consensus about priorities for action, in terms of what needs to be done and how. However, there is an urgent need to develop the capacity to do what needs to be done, particularly in countries where the needs are greatest and the resources most limited.

The course is organised and taught by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, Institute of Child Health, University of Ibadan, the Public Health Foundation of India, and UNICEF.

Who is this course for?

The course has been designed for mid-career professionals with experience in adolescent health and responsibilities for health sector interventions, including health professionals, programme implementers, policymakers and researchers. The course will have a public health rather than a clinical medicine orientation. Applicants should have a good command of English.

Course leaflet 2026.

Course timetable.