World IBD Day brings awareness to inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses two chronic digestive disorders: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, impacting approximately 10 million individuals globally. Sadly, there is currently no cure, known cause, or widespread understanding of the daily pain and suffering bravely endured by IBD patients.
Due to this lack of knowledge, World IBD Day brings together people worldwide to combat these diseases, raising awareness, urging governmental and healthcare action, and showing solidarity with those living with IBD. Given that Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are among the conditions addressed by the European project DoCTIS, we feel compelled to contribute beyond project outcomes by spreading news about World IBD Day, to be celebrated on May 19th.
The focal theme for the 2024 edition of World IBD Day is “IBD Has No Borders”, highlighting the global impact of IBD and the necessity for united efforts. Alongside this awareness initiative, a Round Table discussion titled “Uniting for Access to IBD Care” will convene in Mexico City on May 17th. This forum aims to engage in substantial discourse, identifying and overcoming barriers to quality IBD care worldwide, while advocating for heightened awareness, support, and resources to ensure equitable access to care for all affected by IBD.
Social media will play a vital role, with organizers inviting individuals living with IBD worldwide to share their personal stories. Hearing voices from diverse countries, each articulating what access to IBD care signifies for them, is pivotal in illustrating the multiple challenges of living with IBD. The proposed hashtags are #IBDhasnoborders, #WorldIBDday2024 and #UnitedWeStand.
World IBD Day is led by patient organizations representing over 50 countries across five continents, and coordinated by the European Federation of Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis Associations (EFCCA), an umbrella entity comprising 46 national patients’ associations. It was established in 2010 during Digestive Disease Week, a premier global conference for gastroenterology clinicians, researchers, and industry professionals.
Numerous activities are slated to occur in various countries. For details on local events, we recommend visiting: https://worldibdday.org/world-ibd-day-events/ibd-day-2024.
