World IBD Day 2020: History, significance and how is it celebrated?

World IBD Day takes place annually on May 19. World IBD Day unites the world in the fight against Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease, also known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Over 5 million people are living with IBD worldwide and with no cure or known cause, it is imperative to raise awareness of the impact of these conditions on a day to day life. World IBD Day is led by patient organizations and coordinated by the European Federation of Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Associations (EFCCA).

World IBD Day: Significance

IBD, which stands for inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) are two serious, chronic digestive diseases that affect five million people worldwide. There is no cure, no known cause, and little public understanding of the pain and chronic suffering with which IBD patients courageously cope every day of their lives.

World IBD Day is led by patient organisations representing over 50 countries on five continents and is coordinated by EFCCA. Many other IBD organisations and IBD activists and other stakeholders have joined the fight against IBD over the years.

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Sister organisations

• Argentina: The foundation “Mas Vida de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa” has been constituted in September 2010.
• Australia: Crohn's and Colitis Australia (formerly the Australian Crohn's and Colitis Association) has been making life more liveable for over 70,000 people.
• Brazil: ABCD is a non-profit entity founded in 1999 with the purpose of offering easy access to information required by IBD patients.
• Canada: Crohn’s and Colitis Canada was founded in 1974 by a group of parents whose children were diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease.

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• Europe: The European Federation of Crohn's & Ulcerative Colitis Associations is an umbrella organisation representing 36 national patients' associations.
• Israel: The Israel Foundation of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis was founded in 1994 by a group of parents of children who have these conditions.
• Japan: The NPO IBD Network represents 22 patient associations across Japan.
• New Zealand: Crohn's and Colitis New Zealand is a charitable trust whose aims are to provide support, advice and information to people who have Crohn's disease.
• United States: Crohn's and Colitis Foundation is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organisation dedicated to finding the cure for Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis.

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Happy World IBD Day 2020

During the global campaign for the World IBD Day 2020, every year,  famous landmarks are lit purple in order to raise awareness about the daily challenges of living with IBD. People from all across the world come forward to celebrate this day so as to join the fight against IBD. Apart from illuminating landmarks, patient associations and activists also organise local supporting events aimed at lobbying and providing information about IBD.

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