Australian Association for Adolescent Health Limited

AAAH's vision is that all adolescents and young people in Australia experience optimal health and wellbeing. It takes a health promotion and population health approach in all its activities, from organisational governance to member and government engagement, publications and events. AAAH is the peak body for youth health and wellbeing in Australia. Underpinned by principles of youth participation, embracing diversity, holistic and positive concepts of health and social justice, its work in 2024 was in 3 main areas: Influencing Policy: AAAH provided policy submissions, policy briefs and government briefing events on a number of issues related to youth health and wellbeing, including recognising the 1024 year developmental stage, health economics, investing in youth health, sexual & reproductive health, injury prevention, mental health reform, access/navigating the health system , health literacy, digital technology and engaging young people (including LGBTIQA+ young people). AAAH engaged expertise from research, health professions, policy and youth lived experience to present to government through events such as membersonly forums with the Department of Health and the Developing Policy with and For Young People Workshop for government employees. Building a National Network: AAAH promoted youth health and wellbeing by convening national events and collaborations that foster and build multisector, multistakeholder collaboration and evidence based action centred in lived experience of young people underpinned by expertise from research, policy and practice. Examples included the annual Youth Health Conference, the event Counting the Costs: Building an evidence base for investment in youth health in Australia, Youth Health Collaboration Network and Professional Development workshops and webinars that upskill and educate our network in issues, models of care, approaches and emerging issues in youth health. Engaging Members and Partners: Central to AAAH's health promotion approach is the engagement with young people to inform and guide all activities. It did this in collaboration with professionals from a range of disciplines including health professionals, researchers and policy makers from both government and nongovernment organisations. All members are engaged in informing our work, whether on the Board, in conference committees, cowriting policy briefs or statements. AAAH also kept members uptodate with news, opportunities, events, resources and research communicated via AAAH newsletters, website and social media. AAAH promoted excellence in youth health through its annual Youth Health Awards. AAAH is a recognised Specialist Society with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians & a member of the International Association for Adolescent Health.