World Population Week: Government committed to invest in the youth

Government remains firmly committed to invest in adolescents and young people through sustained initiatives in education, preventive healthcare, digital transformation, youth empowerment and skills development as these are essential for building a healthier and more resilient Mauritius.

The Junior Minister of Health and Wellness, Mrs Anishta Babooram, made this statement today in Quatre Bornes during the opening ceremony of a National Policy Dialogue organised by the Ministry of Health and Wellness in the context of the commemoration of World Population Week 2026. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative for Mauritius and Seychelles, Mrs Li Ying, as well as other personalities were also present.

Held under the theme ‘Investing in Adolescents and Young People: Shaping the Future of Mauritius’, the dialogue brought together Ministries, academia, development partners, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations and youth representatives to deliberate on the health and wellbeing of adolescents and identify priorities that will guide the review of the National Adolescent Health Strategy.

Mrs Babooram highlighted that Mauritius has recorded significant progress in health, education and social development, with improvements in life expectancy, access to education and overall health indicators. However, she pointed out, the country is entering a new demographic era characterised by declining fertility rates and an ageing population, making investment in young people more critical than ever.

The Junior Minister underlined that adolescents nowadays face increasingly complex challenges, including mental health concerns, unhealthy lifestyles, substance abuse, digital risks and the influence of social media. She observed that addressing these issues requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach involving families, schools, communities, Government institutions, civil society organisations and development partners.

For her part, UNFPA’s Representative described the country's demographic transition as an opportunity to rethink investment in people. She underscored the importance of equipping young people with quality healthcare, education, mental health support and equal opportunities, while ensuring that they actively participate in policymaking. According to her, investing in adolescents is not only a social responsibility but also an economic and demographic imperative for Mauritius' future.

30 July 2026

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Topics: Health, Youth