Purpose of review: The stomach is not only a major digestive organ, but also a sophisticated endocrine organ and an essential microbial defense organ. Stomach diseases, such as peptic ulcer diseases, stomach cancer, and functional dyspepsia, are important health burden worldwide. However, the public awareness about the stomach health and diseases are relatively low.
Recent findings: To promote the awareness of medical professionals and also the general population on stomach health and diseases, the healthy stomach initiatives (HSI) was established in 2012. The HSI is very active in promoting international collaboration studies and public awareness events focused on stomach health and diseases. The HSI chose October 2 as the "World Stomach Day" to promote public awareness, to invite physician involvement, to increase scientific research, to apply government support, and to get industrial sponsorship. The first World Stomach Day was celebrated in Taipei in 2018 with very successful public educational activities. To promote the study of stomach diseases and the public awareness of stomach health is an important work. The HSI and the World Stomach Day will play essential roles in this work.
Keywords: Healthy stomach initiative; Microbiota; Peptic ulcer diseases; Stomach cancer; World stomach day.