Building Global Consensus for Young Adults with Chronic Conditions and Non-Communicable Diseases
Young adults with chronic conditions and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) comprise a rapidly growing yet often overlooked population in global health frameworks. Despite making up nearly 20% of the global population, young adults with NCDs and chronic illnesses—including cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, and others—remain largely invisible to most international regulatory bodies and health organizations.
The data reveal a stark picture of a generation without adequate systemic support:
59.5% of young adults in the United States report living with at least one chronic condition, a percentage that is rising globally.
27.1% of young adults report multiple chronic conditions, a 25% increase since 2013.
Nearly 1 in 3 young people (29%) between ages 5–25 now live with pediatric-onset conditions that significantly impact their lives
The young adult patient population faces unique transitions and urgent challenges—distinct from pediatric, adolescent, adult, and older adult groups—including higher risks for poor mental health, socioeconomic instability, limited clinical trial representation, and insufficient attention to reproductive health and disability inclusion.
The Definition Problem
Current global policies lack a unifying definition for “young adult,” resulting in fragmented support and inconsistent advocacy:
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines “adolescents” as 10–19 and “young adults” as 20–24, but often uses “young people” for ages 10–24
The United Nations defines “youth” as ages 15–24 for statistical purposes, yet member states’ definitions range from 15–35
Individual countries and health research differ, using age ranges such as 18–25, 18–34, or 15–39, depending on context
This definitional chaos sees young adults with chronic conditions falling through the cracks—neither wholly served by pediatric nor adult systems.
Our Vision
Generation Patient is leading a global initiative to build consensus and drive systemic change for young adults with chronic conditions and NCDs.
Our objectives are to:
Establish the first globally recognized definition** of young adults with NCDs and chronic conditions, for adoption by healthcare organizations, governments, and regulators.
Convene young adult patient voices with decision-makers** to tackle inequities, advocate for improved mental health and socioeconomic wellbeing, and close gaps in clinical trial representation and health policy.
Advance targeted policy and system reforms to improve outcomes, representation, and quality of life for young adults with chronic conditions globally.
Our first step:
In partnership with the Taiwan Young Patient Association, Africa Sickle Cell Organization, IBD Patient Support Foundation (India), and other global advocates, we are co-hosting the first international convening dedicated to addressing this critical issue.
Our work begins with listening, dialogue, and collective action. Learn more about our September 23 global side event at the Commonwealth Fund Harkness House and follow our upcoming published proceedings—setting the stage for overdue recognition and support for young adults with chronic conditions and NCDs.
We envision a future where every young adult—regardless of diagnosis or geography—is seen and supported.
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