AstraZeneca is extending its global push to tackle non-communicable diseases among young people, committing more than $100 million to its flagship Young Health Programme (YHP) since its launch in 2010.

 

The pharmaceutical company today announced a new five-year phase of the programme, in partnership with UNICEF and more than 60 non-governmental organisations, with an ambition to reach an additional 10 million young people by 2030.

 

The next phase will also train 800,000 youth advocates and support efforts to shape 17 public policies worldwide, as the programme puts greater emphasis on health equity, youth-led action and the growing health impacts of climate change.

 

The YHP focuses on preventing conditions including cancer, diabetes, heart disease and lung disease by helping young people in underserved communities make informed health choices and take action on the factors affecting their health.

 

The latest commitment builds on 15 years of activity across more than 60 countries. Since 2010, the programme says it has directly reached 23 million young people, trained more than 1 million people and supported youth advocates in positively shaping 29 laws and policies.

 

Research by RTI International found that the programme generates $4.30 in social return on investment for every $1 invested.

 

Marc Dunoyer, Chief Executive Officer, Alexion, AstraZeneca Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Executive Sponsor of the YHP, said: “Health should be seen as one of society’s most important investments - not as a cost. That belief has shaped our $100m commitment to the Young Health Programme. We continue to invest in health equity to support millions of people in underserved communities and contribute to more resilient health systems around the world.”

 

The expanded programme comes as the global burden of non-communicable diseases continues to grow. NCDs are the leading cause of death worldwide, while 70% of premature adult deaths are linked to behaviours that begin in adolescence, according to the figures cited by the programme.

 

By 2050, NCDs are expected to account for 86% of all annual deaths, representing a 90% increase from 2019 levels. Risk factors including poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol use can take hold early in life, while air pollution can disproportionately affect children and young people.

 

Climate change is adding another layer of pressure, disrupting health and food systems, worsening air quality and altering the environments in which young people live.

 

Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director said: “UNICEF and AstraZeneca’s Young Health Programme share a vision that young people are powerful drivers of change for healthier habits and stronger health systems. This new phase of our partnership will help equip young people with the knowledge and skills to better prevent non-communicable diseases and build healthier futures.”

 

The programme will work with UNICEF and a network of more than 60 NGOs, including One Young World and YHP founding partner Plan International, to help young people build healthier habits, strengthen the environments and services that influence their health and advocate for policy change.

 

The 2026-2030 phase will place particular emphasis on youth-led action and climate responsiveness, with the programme positioning young people not only as those affected by health and climate challenges, but also as potential agents of change.

 

Kristin Mmari, Professor, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, who has led a team of research and evidence collaborators since the YHP began in 2010, said: “Adolescence is a critical period when lifelong health trajectories are shaped, yet young people’s health depends not only on individual choices, but also on the environments, services and opportunities surrounding them. When we fail to invest during this window, preventable health risks and inequities can deepen and become increasingly difficult to address, carrying far greater human, social and economic costs into adulthood and across generations.”

 

The new phase marks the latest expansion of a programme AstraZeneca says has already reached millions of young people globally, with the company aiming to scale its focus on prevention and youth participation through 2030.