For some 19 May is their birthday, for many it is just a normal day. However, on this date falls also World IBD Day. Many are now asking, what is IBD? The abbreviation stands for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.  IBD groups mainly the two chronic illnesses Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, which directly affect the digestive system and cause intestinal tissue to become inflamed, from sores and bleed easily. In layman's terms, anywhere from the mouth to the anus, can become inflamed, which causes a number of symptoms, such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue and sometimes fever.

Worldwide there are over five million people diagnosed with these chronic diseases, with higher numbers in the western world. So far there is no known cure for the disease, although many researchers work to find a cure. There is neither a known cause for the disease, which splits experts in the medical profession to form the opinion that it is a mix between genetics and dietary habits. There is little public understanding of the pain and chronic suffering which IBD patients courageously cope with every day of their lives.

Raising awareness about IBD is imperative both for patients and others alike. The more the public is aware, the more understanding and support patients will find from family, friends and work colleagues. For some, who experience severe flare-ups, it is hard for them to hold down a job, with little financial help, since the disease is not a recognised disability. 

Unfortunately, the Malta Association for Crohn's and Colitis (MACC) has for the past years since the Covid-19 pandemic refrained from holding face to face activities due to the vulnerability of their members. However, this year we are back to holding face to face events, with our Walk of Warriors that was held on 21 May, starting and finishing in front of Parliament in Valletta. We would like to thank all those who joined us for this walk, including Dr Katya De Giovanni and Perit Graziella Galea, as well as doctors who work within the field of IBD. We would also like to thank our sponsors who helped us make all this possible - AF Printworks, Alf. Mizzi and Sons, BD Blinds, Border and Co. and BOV. We would also like to extend our gratitude to Tama Tnabbar who accompanied us during this symbolic walk

On a European level, this year the European Federation of Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis Associations (EFCCA), launched the campaign IBD has no age, thinking of patients of all ages from children to the elderly, with a focus on the elderly community. This has been mirrored locally in Malta with the recent opening of the IBD Clinic at St Vincent De Paul, as part of a number of specific clinics that are offering a more specialised approach to the needs of those residing there. Although we know there is always more that can be done, we are grateful of the progress done so far in the medical field, which allow most patients to live an almost "normal" life.

We hereby also hope that the government formally recognises IBD as the disability that it is and also sees the need for more inclusive treatment options for all IBD patients, especially those who unfortunately are currently paying thousands out of their own pockets to get by with their day-to-day life.