Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH) World Health Organization

Very young adolescents (VYAs)

The ages 10 to 14 are among the most critical for human development, yet one of the most poorly understood stages of the life course. While biological processes are universal, the social contexts within which they occur vary considerably. Across early adolescence, young people are expected to assume socially defined gender roles that shape their sexual and reproductive health future.

is a resource for research and programming with Very Young Adolescents (VYAs). Because working with VYAs is often prohibited by ethical review boards and other regulatory bodies, the ethics and logistics of conducting research with VYAs is poorly explored.

WHO/HRP in collaboration with partners and stakeholders, is undertaking a .