World IBD Day 2025

Rose Mabiza

28-02-2024

World IBD Day 2025

Image by voronaman111 via Envato Elements

IBD has no borders: Breaking taboos, talking about it

Every year on 19 May, communities around the world observe World IBD Day, a dedicated time to raise awareness of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In 2025, the theme resonates louder than ever:

“IBD has no borders: breaking taboos, talking about it.”

This powerful message calls on individuals, communities, and healthcare providers to openly discuss IBD, challenge misconceptions, and end the stigma associated with bowel-related diseases. Talking about IBD should not be taboo. For millions worldwide, it’s a daily reality that demands visibility, compassion, and understanding.

What is IBD?

IBD refers to chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. The two primary forms are:

Crohn’s disease - Can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus.
Ulcerative colitis - Typically affects the colon and rectum.

These conditions cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, persistent diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies. They are unpredictable and often debilitating, impacting not only physical health but also mental wellbeing and social life.

Despite the severity of these conditions, public awareness remains limited, and stigma around bowel health can prevent people from seeking timely diagnosis and treatment.

Why this year’s theme matters

The 2025 theme, “IBD has no borders: Breaking taboos, talking about it,” encourages open conversation about an “uncomfortable” topic. Talking about gut health should not be awkward; it should be normal.

Here’s why this campaign is vital:

Silence delays treatment - Many individuals live with symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis due to embarrassment or lack of awareness.
Stigma affects mental health - People with IBD often feel isolated or ashamed, compounding the emotional toll of the disease.
Workplace awareness is low - IBD can be misunderstood in professional settings, where flexible arrangements or support systems are often lacking.
Global disparities exist - Access to care, diagnosis, and treatment options varies widely across regions and communities.

By breaking taboos and encouraging open discussions, we take a meaningful step toward improved healthcare outcomes, greater empathy, and a more inclusive society.

A global movement led by EFCCA

World IBD Day is coordinated by the European Federation of Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Associations (EFCCA), an umbrella organisation representing over 50 patient associations worldwide. EFCCA leads global efforts to:

Promote public awareness
Advocate for patient rights
Support research and innovation
Organise educational and community events.

This global initiative is marked by activities such as purple-themed events, landmark light-ups, storytelling campaigns, and social media drives, all of which aim to break the silence surrounding IBD.

Local advocacy groups and medical professionals are also mobilising in the Philippines to raise awareness. Across regions like Central Luzon, virtual forums, health fairs, and education campaigns are helping spread the message of solidarity and support.

How you can get involved

Whether you're a patient, caregiver, healthcare professional, or ally, your voice matters. Here’s how you can support World IBD Day 2025:

Raise awareness

Wear purple on May 19 and share information about IBD on your social media platforms. Use hashtags like #WorldIBDDay, #IBDHasNoBorders, and #BreakTheTaboo.

Talk about it

Start conversations about bowel health at home, work, or school. Normalising these discussions can help reduce the stigma.

Educate yourself and others

Learn more about Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Attend webinars, read patient stories, and engage with trusted healthcare content.

Support patient organisations

Donate, volunteer, or participate in events hosted by local or international IBD advocacy groups.

Encourage workplace inclusion

If you're an employer or manager, create an open and supportive environment for employees with chronic conditions. Flexible schedules and awareness training can make a big difference.

Conclusion

This World IBD Day 2025, let us reaffirm that IBD has no borders, and neither should our empathy. By breaking the silence, we break the stigma. We create a path to healing, understanding, and progress by talking about it.

Every voice matters, every story matters, and every step towards open dialogue is a victory for the IBD community.

Our commitment to health and awareness

At The Mandatory Training Group, we believe that education is the cornerstone of awareness and compassion. Through our training solutions and expertise in healthcare governance, we empower organisations to create safer, more inclusive environments for staff and service users.

Our innovative ComplyPlus™ supports healthcare providers, care homes, and organisations across sectors in meeting regulatory standards, ensuring that chronic conditions like IBD are recognised and accommodated in policies and practices.

Last updated on 19-05-2025

About the author

Rose Mabiza

Rose has dedicated over 15 years to improving health and social care quality through practice, targeted education and training. Her extensive experience includes working with older adults, individuals with mental health conditions, and people with autism and learning disabilities.