Life with inflammatory bowel diseases shouldn\u2019t depend on where you live, say organisers of May 19 awareness day<\/p>\n
Access to timely diagnosis, specialist support, and effective treatment is crucial for people with inflammatory bowel diseases.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s the message from the organisers of World IBD Day, which takes place this year on May 19.<\/p>\n
IBD \u2013 primary consisting of Crohn\u2019s disease and ulcerative colitis \u2013 are serious, chronic digestive diseases that affect ten million people worldwide.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The awareness day is coordinated by the International Federation of Crohn\u2019s and Ulcerative Colitis Associations (IFCCA)<\/p>\n
In a statement the organisation said: \u201cLast 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAround 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cLiving 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.<\/p>\n
Crohn\u2019s & Colitis Ireland will mark World IBD Month 2026 with \u2018Step Up for IBD\u2019, a nationwide step challenge running throughout the month of May.<\/p>\n
The initiative encourages individuals and teams to stay active at their own pace while raising awareness and funds for people living with Crohn\u2019s disease and Ulcerative Colitis.<\/p>\n
The campaign theme, \u2018It Takes a Village to Live with IBD\u2019, highlights the importance of community support and collective action for people living with IBD.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year the organisation welcomed a Bill brought before the D\u00e1il by Labour TD Mark Wall that seeks to place on a statutory footing a \u2018No Wait Card\u2019 that aims to give priority public toilet access to people with conditions such as IBD.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
It would also give legal protection to businesses by excluding them from liability under the Occupiers\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
In a statement a spokesperson for Crohn\u2019s & Colitis Ireland said: \u201cWe are genuinely delighted to see the \u2018No Wait Card\u2019 receive the recognition it deserves.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cCCI hopes to see strong cross-party support as the Bill progresses through the Oireachtas.\u201d<\/p>\n