Global Variability in the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Towards Context-Specific Strategies.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are chronic, relapsing conditions with increasing prevalence worldwide, thought to be driven by socioeconomic and environmental factors. Managing IBD effectively across diverse healthcare settings remains a significant challenge, as there is no universal approach. Advances such as biologic therapies, biosimilars, and small molecule agents have improved outcomes; however, disparities in access, infrastructure, and costs persist, especially in resource-limited regions. As the therapeutic landscape expands, regional treatment hierarchies are increasingly shaped by resource availability, economic constraints, and healthcare system capacity. This narrative review synthesises current evidence and explores how resource availability influences treatment decision-making. It further discusses the potential of early diagnosis, preventive strategies, and dietary interventions to enhance patient outcomes and advance cost-effective care globally. Emphasising the importance of adaptable, patient-centred management, this narrative review aims to inform healthcare providers and policymakers on tailoring IBD care to maximise disease control and healthcare efficiency across diverse resource settings.