AstraZeneca (NASDAQ: AZN) announced a new five-year phase of its Young Health Programme (YHP), extending its total investment in the initiative to over $100m since the programme launched in 2010.

The next phase, running from 2026 to 2030, will be conducted in partnership with UNICEF and more than 60 non-governmental organizations. The programme aims to reach an additional 10 million young people, train 800,000 youth advocates, and help shape 17 public policies worldwide by 2030.

Since its inception, the YHP has directly reached 23 million young people across more than 60 countries, trained more than one million people, and supported youth advocates in shaping 29 laws and policies. Research by RTI International found the programme generates $4.30 in social return on investment for every $1 invested.

The programme focuses on preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease in underserved communities. According to the press release, NCDs are the leading cause of death worldwide, with 70% of premature adult deaths linked to behaviors that begin in adolescence.

Marc Dunoyer, Chief Executive Officer of Alexion and AstraZeneca Chief Strategy Officer, said: "Health should be seen as one of society's most important investments - not as a cost. That belief has shaped our $100m commitment to the Young Health Programme."

Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director, said: "This new phase of our partnership will help equip young people with the knowledge and skills to better prevent non-communicable diseases and build healthier futures."

The next phase of YHP will emphasize youth-led action, health equity, and climate responsiveness, with partner organizations including One Young World and Plan International, which has been involved since the programme's founding.