Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1467738
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 MARCH 2022 OPINION 3 LETTERS & EDITORIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 15 MAY 2022 Mikiel Galea Letters & Clarifications Insensitive interview IT was highly insensitive of MaltaTo- day on Sunday 8 May to publish the interview with Dr Natalie Psaila, a pro choice woman on Mother's Day. Of course I condemn all sort of violence by word or action against anybody. Abortion is breaking God's fifth commandment: "Thou shalt not kill". Maria Meilak Tarxien World IBD Day: for many one of many difficult days FOR some 19 May is their birthday – for many, it is just a normal day. This day is also World IBD Day. Many are now asking, what is IBD? The abbrevi- ation stands for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. IBD groups mainly the two chronic illnesses Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, which directly affect the digestive system and cause intes- tinal tissue to become inflamed, from sores and bleed easily. In layman's terms, anywhere from the mouth to the anus, can become inflamed, which causes a number of symptoms, such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue and sometimes fever. Worldwide there are over 5 million people diagnosed with these chron- ic diseases, with higher numbers in the western world. So far there is no known cure for the disease, although many researchers work to find a cure. There is neither a known cause for the disease, which splits experts in the medical profession to form the opinion that it is a mix between genetics and dietary habits. There is little public understanding of the pain and chronic suffering which IBD patients courageously cope with every day of their lives. Raising awareness about IBD is im- perative both for patients and others alike. The more the public is aware, the more understanding and support patients will find from family, friend and even colleagues at work. For some, who experience severe flare- ups, it is hard for them to hold down a job, with little financial help, since the disease is not a recognized disa- bility. Unfortunately, the Malta Associa- tion for Crohn's and Colitis (MACC) has for the past 2 years of the pan- demic refrained from holding face- to-face activities due to the vulnera- bility of their members. We hope to be able to hold such events soon, and raise more awareness regarding IBD in Malta. On a European level this year, the European Federation of Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis Associations (EFC- CA), have launched the campaign 'IBD has no age' thinking of patients of all ages from children to elderly, with focus on the elderly community. Although we know there is always more that can be done, we are grate- ful of the progress done so far in the medical field, which allow most pa- tients to live an almost 'normal' life. Davinia Pirotta MACC Libyan torture MALTA should take a more vocal stand on the unlawful killings, arbi- trary detentions, and interception of migrants and refugees in Libya by the state-funded Stability Support Author- ity (SSA) militia to commit Created by government decree in January 2021, the SSA militia is com- manded by militia leaders Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, known as "Gheniwa", who has a history of crimes under international law. Hundreds of migrants are being de- tained in the overcrowded and poorly ventilated al-Mayah detention centre controlled by SSA. They receive little food or water, forcing them to drink toilet water. They told Amnesty In- ternational that they witnessed guards regularly beating detained migrants and refugees and subjecting them to forced labour, rape and other sexual violence, including forced prostitution. Malta should raise this matter for- trightly in international fora. Peter Mifsud London, UK