On this day, 19 May, therefore, people around the world mark the observance of World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day.
What is World Inflammatory Bowel Disease Day?
World IBD Day 19 May has its organizers in the European Federation of Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Associations (EFCCA).
These medical conditions usually start in young adulthood and may have a profound effect on quality of life including work, school, social interactions, and even mental wellbeing. World IBD Day brings attention to such issues and works towards funding more efforts to improve treatment and support services.
Significance of 19 May
Advocacy reduces stigma, and as a result, drives funding, increases early diagnosis, assists in research, and promotes timely treatment.
International Observances on 19 May
While World Family Doctor Day brings value to the health sector, others of equal value celebrated on May 19 include:
🌐 World Family Doctor Day
Observed on the same day globally, the role of family doctors in attending to patients and community health is celebrated as a critical figure around the world. Family doctors are usually the first point of contact in the healthcare system to receive care and to which attend triage, hence, their work is at the frontline.
🇹🇷 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day (Turkey)
19 May is a national holiday in Turkey to mark the start of the Turkish War of Independence and also to celebrate youth and sports.
🧪 Hepatitis Testing Day (USA)
Additionally, this is a special health day in the USA which encourages people to go for tests for hepatitis – a range of infectious diseases whose main target is the liver; early detection saves lives.
👨👩👧👦 HIV/AIDS Awareness Day for Pacific Islander and Asian Communities (USA)
In these communities, people use this day to raise concerns about HIV/AIDS education and prevention relative to the care inequities being faced, especially regarding the gaps in the health care system. –> In these communities, people use this day to raise concerns about HIV/AIDS education and prevention relative to the care inequities being faced, especially regarding the gaps in the health care system.
How You Can Get Involved on May 19th
- Wear Purple: IBD community supporters can visibly demonstrate their support by donning purple, the color of awareness.
- Social Media Outreach: Encourage the use of the hashtag #WorldIBDDay to increase visibility.
- Attend Events: Search for local and online events held by medical institutions.
- Support Research: Make financial contributions to foundations that conduct IBD research or advocate for patients.
- Appreciate a Family Physician: Acknowledge the contributions of family doctors towards community health.
Closing Remarks
The World Inflammatory Bowel Disease Day (May 19), an international initiative aimed at encouraging people to stand up for something and nurture hope, does not limit itself to a health observance. If you have been diagnosed with IBD, know someone who has, or are passionate about public health, take this day as an opportunity to advocate for change.