Table 2 Summary of themes, opportunities, possible actions and responsible stakeholders

Limited data and evidence related to AMH

Advance data and evidence on AMH, especially on what works in AMH prevention and promotion

- Coproduce data and evidence with adolescents, tracking the trends in AMH outcomes at the population level.

- Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and interventions.

- Improve and apply the “toolbox” for AMH data and evidence, and develop and use standardized indicators.

- Hold stakeholders accountable for their obligation to report.

- Use and share across sectors the available data generated from different sources, including health and social services, and schools.

Researchers

Divergent definitions of and ways of framing AMH

Deliberate and agree on a broadened definition and framing of AMH, led by youth and using a positive narrative

- Unite around a positive narrative that highlights the benefits of investing in AMH across the mental health continuum.

- Use clear definitions and relevant terminology to foster a common, more nuanced language around mental health.

- Continue to fight stigma directed towards adolescents with mental health challenges, especially related to suicidal ideation and suicide which remain highly stigmatized.

All stakeholders, especially advocates of AMH

Growing but fragmented AMH stakeholder landscape

Strengthen leadership, accountability and adolescent engagement for AMH

- Develop a national plan specifically focused on AMH, with AMH reflected in budget allocations across sectors and administrative levels, and clarity on roles, mandates and lines of accountability.

- Improve leadership for the coordination and quality of first-line care for adolescents with mild to moderate mental health problems, and investment in youth-centered services at primary care level.

- Foster meaningful adolescent engagement and leadership in the growing AMH stakeholder landscape, especially among national level stakeholders.

Decision-makers, funders, and researchers

Weak multidisciplinary and multisector collaboration for AMH

Break the silos and enhance multidisciplinary and multisector collaboration for AMH

- Develop standardized guidelines across communal and regional borders, and implement person-centred care.

- Implement structural reform to enable stronger coordination, especially at the level of service interaction with youth.

- Incentivize collaboration across sectors and disciplines, including through explicit funding.

- Implement joint multisector activities across administrative boundaries that include adolescents in meaningful ways, e.g., by discussing real time solutions.

- Engage school as one of the most important platforms to reach children and adolescents and to partner with to improve AMH outcomes nationally.

Decision-makers, funders and researchers