The YoPAAPE project leads youth-driven change across four nations
One of the major underlying factors contributing to the decline in overall well-being of young people is the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, chronic respiratory conditions, and mental health disorders. These conditions, often linked to lifestyle habits, demand early intervention to mitigate long-term risks. Recognizing this urgent need, the EU has launched the YoPAAPE project, a groundbreaking initiative designed to promote healthier lifestyles among vulnerable teenagers between the ages of 12 and 18.
Coordinated by Stichting Amsterdam UMC, YoPAAPE has secured €3,281,100 in EU funding and runs from the beginning of 2023, to the end of 2027. The project is taking a novel approach by engaging teenagers directly in shaping solutions for their own well-being.
Rather than imposing top-down strategies, YoPAAPE prioritizes co-creation, bringing together teenagers, researchers, and community stakeholders to design interventions that fit their local realities. The project integrates evidence-based strategies and co-creation methodologies to reduce NCD risks, encourage healthier behaviors, and combat health inequalities. Its scope extends beyond the borders of wealthier European nations, reaching urban communities in Denmark and the Netherlands, as well as low and middle-income countries such as Nigeria and South Africa. By actively engaging teenagers alongside researchers and local stakeholders, YoPAAPE seeks to develop community-driven interventions tailored to the specific needs of each region.
Four cities involved
The initiative is built on a collaborative model where teenagers play a pivotal role in shaping their environments. In four key cities—Aalborg in Denmark, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Osogbo in Nigeria, and Soweto in South Africa—youth participants will assess local challenges, propose solutions, and help implement and evaluate interventions that promote active, healthy living. At the core of YoPAAPE is the belief that real change requires more than just policy recommendations—it needs a shift in mindset. Through mentorship programs, capacity-building initiatives, and leadership training, young people in vulnerable situations gain a sense of agency, enabling them to take control of their own well-being and influence the health of their communities.
A crucial element of YoPAAPE is its reliance on the innovative SUPERAIM framework, a novel evaluation method designed to measure the impact of environmental interventions. This data-driven approach ensures that every action taken within the project contributes to meaningful, long-lasting change.
The urgency of YoPAAPE’s mission is underscored by a growing public health crisis. Across the globe, teenagers are failing to meet recommended physical activity guidelines, a trend exacerbated by sedentary lifestyles and excessive screen time. As a result, health experts are seeing an increase in preventable conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease at younger ages. YoPAAPE aims to intervene at this critical juncture, fostering habits that will not only benefit teenagers now but also safeguard their health in adulthood.
Beyond direct intervention, YoPAAPE is investing in long-term impact by training a new generation of health advocates. Through structured programs, PhD students and community leaders are equipped with the skills to implement co-creation strategies, ensuring that the project’s impact extends far beyond its initial scope. By nurturing a network of trained professionals and engaged youth, the initiative is laying the groundwork for sustainable health improvements in multiple regions.
More than just a research
YoPAAPE represents more than just a research initiative; it is a movement aimed at transforming the way society approaches teenage health. By prioritizing the voices and experiences of young people, the project goes beyond traditional top-down interventions, ensuring that solutions are not only effective but also embraced by those they are meant to serve. The ultimate goal is to create a future where teenagers—regardless of their socio-economic background—are active, engaged, and equipped with the tools to maintain lifelong health.
As the project progresses, it continues to inspire change by proving that empowering youth is one of the most effective strategies for building a healthier society. YoPAAPE’s holistic approach, combining scientific research, grassroots involvement, and policy innovation, sets a new standard for public health initiatives. By fostering collaboration across continents and sectors, it paves the way for a future where every teenager has the opportunity to lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.
