Synopsis: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, mental disorder and chronic lung conditions are the leading cause of death and disability in Indonesia. Many of the risks for these diseases emerge in adolescence, yet actions and policy interventions to address these risks rarely target this age group, let alone involve young people in prevention. In partnership with UNICEF and Hasanuddin University in Indonesia, we conducted qualitative interviews with key stakeholders to explore the current situation of youth engagement in policy and decision making regarding NCDs in Indonesia and how this engagement could be improved. Next, based on the data needs identified by young people and stakeholders, we examined the prevalence and co-occurrence of distinct NCD risk factors, how they relate to current mental wellbeing amongst adolescents in Indonesia, and what this means for tackling the rising burden of NCD in this young and populous country.

Speakers: Karly Cini and Diandra Priambodo

Karly Cini is a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics, supported by a NHMRC postgraduate scholarship and a top-up scholarship from the Centre for Research Excellence – Driving Global Investment in Adolescent Health. Karly’s research interest is on the epidemiology of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors in adolescents worldwide. Her PhD focuses on NCDs in Indonesia: what is needed to strengthen measurement, reporting, and action – particularly in low resource settings.

Diandra is an early-career doctor passionate about adolescent health and youth advocacy. With experience in medical research and active participation in youth engagement projects, Diandra contributes to initiatives aimed at improving adolescent wellbeing. As a member of the Indonesian Adolescent Health Association (AKAR Indonesia), Diandra strives to advocate for the health of Indonesian youth.

Time: 1:00 to 2:00 pm AEDT

Date: 3rd April 2025

Advancing Adolescent Health in the Asia Pacific: A virtual community to share knowledge and support collaboration

Despite one in two of the world’s adolescents living in the Asia-Pacific region, adolescent health is a relatively new field of endeavour in Australia as well as the region. It is a field that spans policy makers from multiple sectors, researchers from different disciplines, and practitioners working in health services, schools and communities and encompasses a multitude of health topics and concerns. Despite this, there are few opportunities to come together to share, showcase and build capacity to improve adolescent health and wellbeing in the region.

This seminar series aims to provide opportunities for researchers, policy makers, practitioners, implementers, young advocates – indeed, anyone interested in the health and wellbeing of adolescents – to enhance their understanding of adolescent health and wellbeing, with a focus on research.

This series is supported by the Centre of Research Excellence for Driving Global Investment in Adolescent Health. Led by a team at the Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, it brings together leading Australian research groups including the University of Melbourne, Burnet Institute, University of New South Wales, University of Queensland, University of South Australia, and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute.

Read more about the series here