Life with inflammatory bowel diseases shouldn’t depend on where you live, say organisers of May 19 awareness day
Access to timely diagnosis, specialist support, and effective treatment is crucial for people with inflammatory bowel diseases.
That’s the message from the organisers of World IBD Day, which takes place this year on May 19.
IBD – primary consisting of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis – are serious, chronic digestive diseases that affect ten 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.
The awareness day is coordinated by the International Federation of Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Associations (IFCCA)
In a statement the organisation said: “Last year, we focused on breaking the silence around IBD, challenging taboos and encouraging open conversations about the realities of living with the disease. This year, we turn our attention to another critical barrier faced by people living with IBD: access to care.
“Around the world, where a person lives still determines whether they receive a timely diagnosis, specialist support, and effective treatment. Too many people face long delays, limited treatment options, or no access to care at all.
“Living with inflammatory bowel disease is challenging enough. Inequities in healthcare systems only add to the physical, emotional, and social burden faced by people with IBD and their families.
Crohn’s & Colitis Ireland will mark World IBD Month 2026 with ‘Step Up for IBD’, a nationwide step challenge running throughout the month of May.
The initiative encourages individuals and teams to stay active at their own pace while raising awareness and funds for people living with Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
The campaign theme, ‘It Takes a Village to Live with IBD’, highlights the importance of community support and collective action for people living with IBD.
Earlier this year the organisation welcomed a Bill brought before the Dáil by Labour TD Mark Wall that seeks to place on a statutory footing a ‘No Wait Card’ that aims to give priority public toilet access to people with conditions such as IBD.
Passing of the Equal Status (Access to Toilet Facilities) Bill 2026 into law would mean that shops and businesses with staff toilets would have to allow access to a person who presents the card and urgently needs to use the bathroom.
It would also give legal protection to businesses by excluding them from liability under the Occupiers’ Liability Act when providing toilet access to card holders. The Bill also says that no modifications or additional costs are required for staff toilets to comply.
In a statement a spokesperson for Crohn’s & Colitis Ireland said: “We are genuinely delighted to see the ‘No Wait Card’ receive the recognition it deserves.
“For years, our members have shared stories of distress, embarrassment, and unnecessary barriers when urgently needing a toilet. This Bill acknowledges their lived experiences and moves us closer to a more inclusive and compassionate Ireland.
“CCI hopes to see strong cross-party support as the Bill progresses through the Oireachtas.”
The charity issues ‘No Wait Cards’ to anyone living with IBD, an ostomy, or other chronic conditions causing urgent need for toilet access. For more information see https://crohnscolitis.ie/support/no-wait-card/.