Young people’s health takes the spotlight at Parliament House as the Australian Association for Adolescent Health (AAAH) hosts its National Youth Health Showcase on March 15, 2024. This one-day forum gathers researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and youth leaders to advocate for practical reforms in health systems aimed at better serving the younger population. The event will address critical areas such as youth-friendly general practice, mental health service design, sexual and reproductive health access, and the importance of youth participation in research.
The showcase highlights the pressing need for evidence-based solutions that enhance the inclusivity and responsiveness of health systems to the specific needs of young people. “Investing in adolescent health delivers a triple dividend,” stated Dr. Cristyn Davies, President of the AAAH and Senior Research Fellow in the Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health at the University of Sydney. “It improves young people’s health today, builds healthier adults for the future, and gives the next generation a stronger start in life.”
Transforming Research into Action
The event is co-led by Professor Melissa Kang, Co-Head of General Practice at the University of Sydney and Oceania Representative for the International Association for Adolescent Health. Alongside Dr. Davies and AAAH board members Saad Khalid and Sonali Varma, the conference has been designed by an intergenerational team to ensure that the voices of young people influence every aspect of the program.
“Policy only changes lives when it listens and then acts,” remarked Grace McGowan, Senior Youth Ambassador for International Adolescent Health Week. “Young people need to be answered quickly and effectively the first time they ask for help.”
The showcase will feature discussions on how young people’s health and wellbeing can serve as indicators of the effectiveness of health systems. “When care is welcoming, inclusive, and easy to access, it strengthens families, communities, and the health system as a whole,” Professor Kang added.
Addressing Barriers to Care
Youth delegate Ava Haine from Moura, Central Queensland, emphasized that geographic distance should not determine the quality of healthcare young people receive. “We need timely appointments close to home, digital options that actually work, culturally safe care, and clear pathways so we don’t fall through the gaps,” Haine stated.
Dr. Davies reinforced the idea that adolescent health reform requires collective effort. “This showcase is about practical solutions and shared leadership,” she said. “We’re working with governments, health professionals, researchers, and young people to deliver practical, evidence-based changes that make health systems more equitable and responsive.”
As the National Youth Health Showcase unfolds, it seeks to foster collaboration and innovation, ultimately paving the way for a healthier future for young Australians.
