A life course approach to health, human capital and sustainable development is a holistic strategy to optimize people’s health and wellbeing throughout life and interlinkages with human capital and sustainable development. This brief explains why a life course approach is fundamental in delivering the SDGs and how it can expand access to primary health care and to provide universal health coverage. It summarizes WHO’s work in promoting health and human capital through the life course. 

www.who.int/life-course

This policy brief provides a snapshot of the unique challenges faced by adolescent girls in urban areas. It also makes the case for transformative social protection programs that address structural barriers to the economic and social inclusion of adolescent girls. In light of the findings, the brief recommends the need for community sensitization against sexual and physical abuse, and enforcement of laws to protect adolescent girls in urban settings.