5S Approach

WHO has developed a systematic approach – the 5S approach – to support countries in strengthening their work for adolescent health. It recognizes that a health programme that aims to contribute to the highest attainable standard of health and development for adolescents needs to provide:

1. supportive policies that respect, protect and fulfil adolescents’ rights to health;
2. strategic information for planning and monitoring;
3. service-delivery models that are youth-friendly;
4. sustainable resources, such as adequately trained health care personnel and mechanisms for financial protection of young people; and
5. a cross-sectoral approach to address the determinants of health and reduce inequalities.

WHO/Europe supports countries in the WHO European Region in implementing the 5S approach.