World Continence Week 2020
World Continence Week (WCW) is an annual initiative with the primary aim to raise awareness about incontinence related issues. WCW was initiated by the International Continence Society (ICS) in 2008 with the first ever World Continence Day. This became World Continence Week (WCW) in June 2009 with activities being developed worldwide.
In 2016 the ICS passed WCW to the World Federation of Incontinent Patients (WFIP) who now coordinates this yearly activity. WFIP has now been renamed the World Federation of Incontinence and Pelvic Problems, (WFIPP), to fully represent all conditions related to the pelvic area including pelvic pain.
Event
WCW is customarily held the third week of June. Wherein WFIPP produces a toolkit with key messaging that is available to download and print. This year due to the Covid-19 pandemic we postponed WCW20 to align with the ICS annual meeting, WCW20 dates therefore are 16th to 22nd November 2020. WCW21 will take place June 2021 (around 15th to 22nd June).
Additionally WFIPP will organize webinars during WCW20 together with our collaborative partner Medtronic with particular emphasis on the ‘Support In Continence’ Digital Platform shortly to be launched.
WCW Events are held around the world hosted by national continence organizations, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and many more.
Member countries of WFIPP include: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Italy, Poland, UK and USA, a full list can be found on the website.
Vision of World Continence Week
- Globally facilitate continence awareness and promotion to improve health, wellness and quality of life.
- Provide a reputable forum for those seeking information on Continence Promotion and therapies.
- Create a worldwide network of events and organisations that will be recognised as leading authorities of Continence and Bladder and Bowel Health information.
- Further establish Continence Awareness and promote a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment.
Awareness
Incontinence is the unwanted and involuntary leakage of urine or stool. Incontinence is a sensitive condition that affects an estimated 400 million people across the world. Historically, conditions affecting the bladder and bowel have often been uncomfortable or "taboo" subjects and accordingly these medical disorders have been underreported and under-diagnosed. Surveys have shown that fewer than 40% of persons with urinary incontinence mention their problem to a doctor or nurse and this figure is even higher for those with bowel incontinence. These conditions have been inadequately treated and poorly addressed by medical professionals, despite the substantial impact on individual health, self-esteem and quality of life.
In light of this, WCW seeks to draw attention to and increase public awareness about these conditions and encourage those who live with them to confidently seek help and improve their quality of life
For more information, visit WFIP's