New association to support IBD patients

The Malta Association of Crohn's and Colitis (MACC) will be officially launched this week.

The association aims offer support to people suffering from Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and their relatives, to help them improve their quality of life and to promote public awareness about these chronic conditions. It also intends to promote patients' needs and rights and to encourage research.

Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are two forms of chronic non-infectious Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that can affect people of different age groups.

Since the identification of IBD as a recognisable chronic illness, self-help groups or associations began to appear across Europe. The European Federation of Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis Associations currently has 24 member associations which together represent more than 90,000 patients, relatives and friends throughout Europe.

During the launch, the president of the Association, Mary Grech Pace, will give her address and local experts in the field will talk about the two conditions in the Maltese context. Guest speakers will include Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Kenneth Grech, Godfrey Laferla, Mario Vassallo, Thomas Attard and Valerie Vella.

The launch will take place at the Medical School Auditorium, Mater Dei Hospital, on Friday at 7.30 p.m. All are invited to attend.