Child and adolescent health, gender equity, and evidence-based approach in low-and middle-income countries: A review of the literature

Background: Child and adolescent health in low‑ and middle‑income countries (LMICs) is shaped by overlapping burdens of infectious diseases, rising non‑communicable diseases, violence exposure, gender inequities, and structural determinants of health. Although significant global declines in communicable disease mortality have been achieved over the past 10 years, children and adolescents continue to face high risks from injuries, mental health disorders, and behavioural risk factors. Violence, harmful gender norms, and limited access to quality healthcare and educational services significantly influence developmental trajectories.
Methods: This review synthesises evidence from Global Burden of Disease estimates, Violence Against Children Surveys, systematic reviews, scoping reviews, and empirical studies published between 2016 and 2026. Findings were organised across selected key domains: adolescent health burdens, violence and mental health outcomes, gender‑transformative, sexual & reproductive health (SRH) interventions, school‑based and digital health programs, and surveillance & structural determinants.
Results: Violence exposure strongly predicts self harm, suicidal behaviours, and substance use, with young women disproportionately affected. Gender transformative interventions and male engagement programs improve SRH knowledge, equitable norms, and maternal–child health behaviours or outcomes. School based WASH, nutrition education, digital tools, and nurse- or teacher led health promotion demonstrate moderate effectiveness. Emerging surveillance systems, including machine learning enabled risk prediction and community based monitoring, enhance early detection and policy responsiveness. Structural barriers including poverty, discrimination, fragmented governance, and limited access to care remain major constraints.
Conclusion: Multisectoral, equity oriented, and gender responsive strategies are essential to strengthen health systems and improve child and adolescent wellbeing in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.