Greeting
Let’s come together as one Asia and fight against IBD!
I am honored to announce that I have been appointed as the President of Asian Organization for Crohn’s and Colitis (AOCC). AOCC was founded in 2013 with the aim of improving the care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) across Asia, and it has now been 12 years since its establishment. Over these years, AOCC has become recognized worldwide as the leading IBD organization in Asia. During this period, the number of IBD patients in Asia has been growing quickly, and the number of treatment options is also increasing every year. Amid these rapid changes in IBD care in Asia, AOCC plays a key role in research, education, and collaboration related to IBD.
In Asia, 12 years is an important milestone, as it corresponds to one full zodiac cycle. This means that AOCC has completed its first zodiac cycle and is now starting a new chapter. During my term, I will focus on making significant reforms in AOCC as we move into the next 12 years. I believe we need to develop a system where all Asian countries, which share many cultural, historical, and genetic similarities, can actively contribute to AOCC. It is important for AOCC to become a truly representative IBD organization for all of Asia and to provide a foundation for all Asian countries to unite and fight against IBD.
Let’s come together as one Asia and fight against IBD!
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President Katsuyoshi Matsuoka Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Sakura Medical Center |