Developing a chapter on healthy living and prevention and control of NCDs in youth for the UN “Facts for Life” manual

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are medical conditions or diseases of long duration and slow progression, sometimes called “chronic diseases.”  Historically, NCDs are viewed as a problem of adulthood, but children and youth are at risk as well.  Addressing NCD prevention and treatment in children and youth is an issue of human rights, as well as a priority for health and sustainable development.  Tools for health educators and families are needed to address NCDs in youth.  NCD Child, a global coalition championing young people living with, at risk of developing, or affected by NCDs, has worked with UNICEF to obtain global stakeholder input on a chapter which provides key information, stimulates behavior change, and guides community action and policy on a range of critical issues on NCDs and young people.  Methods for obtaining feedback on the chapter messages included public consultation and field testing.  A public consultation sought feedback from governments, civil society organizations and youth and families living with and at risk for non-communicable diseases.  Reviewers commented via on-line tools and face-to-face reviews.  After revision, field testing included pre-tests via focus groups and in depth interviews from key messengers (ie, individuals who communicate information to a community) in India, Mexico, and the Philippines.  Pilot testing assessed actual use and applicability of the chapter through implementation and in depth interviews in these countries, the Caribbean, and Kenya.  The chapter will launch at the 2015 UN General Assembly; implications for child and adolescent health systems will be discussed.