New Zealand Taking Up The Fight Against IBD

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New Zealand Taking Up The Fight Against IBD

New Zealand is joining the fight against one of the country’s least known diseases on World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, 16 May 2012 - To coincide with World IBD Day, Crohn’s & Colitis New Zealand (CCNZ) and healthcare company Abbott have announced the launch of IMPACT, a survey designed to uncover the burden of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and improve understanding and awareness of IBD in New Zealand.

“World IBD Day highlights the needs of people living with diseases collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease,” said Brian Poole, Chairman, Crohn’s & Colitis New Zealand Charitable Trust (CCNZ). “CCNZ is pleased to be taking up the fight against IBD by launching this national survey.”

Recent studies show New Zealand has a high incidence of IBD with approximately 15,000 New Zealanders living with IBD.1 IBD refers to three different diseases - Crohn’s Disease (CD), Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Indeterminate Colitis (IC).

“We have a very high rate of IBD in New Zealand, so it is crucial that we understand the impact of the diseases locally and what needs to be done to improve the quality of life of people living with them,” added Mr Poole.

Driving the call to action is the release of the European IMPACT survey results, undertaken by the European Federation of Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Associations (EFCCA). This fight against IBD was originated in Europe and is now being taken up in New Zealand. The European survey, which was carried out in 27 countries, found 64 per cent of respondents with IBD required emergency care before their diagnosis2 and an even larger portion, 85 per cent, had been admitted to hospital due to their condition in the past five years.2

“The results of the European survey underscore the severity of IBD and highlight the burden these diseases place not just on the people living with them, but also the impact on health services, relationships and daily life,” said Dr. John Wyeth, Gastroenterologist, Wellington Hospital.

CCNZ are now calling out for people with IBD to take part in the New Zealand IMPACT Survey to highlight the burden of the disease locally and establish what steps need to be taken to tackle this serious health issue.

“Understanding the local burden of IBD in New Zealand is important because it can lead to better disease management, improve health outcomes and provide quality of life gains for people affected by these diseases and their families,” added Dr. Wyeth. “I would encourage any New Zealanders with IBD to logon to the CCNZ website and complete the survey.”

To mark World IBD Day and the launch of the New Zealand IMPACT survey, 100 members and supporters of CCNZ will be gathering at Parliament House in Wellington to spell out “IBD” to raise awareness of the condition.

Brian Poole explained it is important to raise awareness of IBD and its symptoms, as delaying treatment can lead to adverse health outcomes.

“Unfortunately many people with IBD delay going to the doctor for a diagnosis, and don’t access the treatment they need, until their condition reaches a stage where urgent admission to hospital is required,” said Mr Poole. “Our members are looking forward to taking part in World IBD Day; through this awareness initiative we can prevent more people from delaying getting the treatment they need.”

Abbott is supporting CCNZ on World IBD Day 2012 to raise awareness of the diseases, educate the community and support the launch of the IMPACT survey in New Zealand.

“Abbott has been a proud supporter of CCNZ since their launch in 2010” said Nicholas Leach, New Zealand Country Manager, Abbott. "We are happy to continue this partnership to fight against IBD and to launch the IMPACT survey in New Zealand."

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