WGO
Contact:
Ashley Huren-Johnson
Communications and Development Manager
World Gastroenterology Organisation
+1 414-918-9798
ahuren@worldgastroenterology.org
Milwaukee, WI April 8, 2020
The human gut microbiome contains tens of trillions of microorganisms and over 1,000 known species of bacteria, which have many important functions within the human body. Not surprisingly, there has been considerable interest and even more speculation on the role that gut microorganisms might play in health and disease. Gastroenterologists are frequently called upon to interpret, on behalf of their patients, the latest findings from basic and clinical research. To help sift through and assess the vast, complex, at times confusing, and ever-increasing body of literature and provide some guidance to the practicing clinician and their patients, the World Gastroenterology Organisation selected the Gut Microbiome as the focus of the 15th Annual 2020 World Digestive Health Day (WDHD), celebrated all year long, but highlighted on May 29th.
World Digestive Health Day focuses yearly upon a particular digestive disease or disorder to increase public awareness of the prevention, prevalence, diagnosis, management, and treatment of the disease or disorder worldwide. By increasing awareness worldwide of the role that the gut microbiome may have in diagnosis, and how it can be modulated to treat disease and allay symptoms, we can affect overall human health and, in particular, among low- and middle-income countries.
The WGO global network of member societies, partners, and sponsors is ideally positioned to raise awareness of the role the gut microbiome in human health. WGO invites those who are interested in joining the World Digestive Health Day 2020 initiative to visit www.worldgastroenterology.org/wgo-foundation/wdhd/wdhd-2020, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @WorldGastroOrg.
Formed in 1935 and incorporated in 1958, The World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) is a federation of 115 member societies and four regional associations of gastroenterology representing more than 50,000 individual members worldwide, focusing on the improvement of standards in gastroenterology training and education on a global scale. WGO's mission is to promote, to the public and healthcare professional alike, an awareness of the worldwide prevalence and optimal care of gastrointestinal and liver disorders, and to improve care of these disorders, through the provision of high quality, accessible and independent education and training.
The first World Digestive Health Day (WDHD) was held on 29 May 2005. Ever since, the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) annually celebrates World Digestive Health Day by initiating a yearlong, worldwide, public health campaign through its 115 WGO Member Societies which reach over 50,000 individuals worldwide, WGO Training Centers, Regional Affiliate Associations, and other WGO global partners. Each year focuses upon a particular digestive disease or disorder in order to increase general public awareness of prevention, prevalence, diagnosis, management, and treatment of the disease or disorder.
To learn more about World Digestive Health Day activities or to join the celebration, please visit: www.worldgastroenterology.org/wgo-foundation/wdhd/wdhd-2020 or Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @WorldGastroOrg.
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