News -
Study reveals an increase in digestive diseases
Study reveals an increase in digestive diseases
Findings from a pan-European study commissioned by the organization United European Gastroenterology (UEG) revealed a notable and concerning increase in the prevalence of several digestive diseases since 2000, including a rise in the incidence and mortality rates for all digestive cancers. Previous studies have also found prevalence rates of coeliac disease among children have increased over time[1].
In addition, health inequalities across Europe are widening and predicted to be further exacerbated by emerging economic challenges. See the full study here.
The Association of European Coeliac Socities (AOECS) endorses the open letter sent by UEG to European Commission
UEG feels that there is an urgent need to reduce the burden of digestive diseases across Europe. UEG calls for a stronger EU health policy and recommends installing six policy interventions (see fact sheet). They have sent this petition in an open letter addressed to the European Commission. AOECS is endorsing this message and support UEG in this important matter.
AOECS attended the event "Bridging the Gaps" at the European Parliament
To bring attention to these matters, UEG is arranged the event ”Bridging the Gaps” in cooperation with the European Parliament and supported by MEP Romana Jerkovi (Chair of MEP Digestive Health Group) on Wednesday 26th April 2023 at the European Parliament in Brussels.
At this event, UEG brought together digestive health experts and key stakeholders from the European health community for a discussion on the current state of digestive health across Europe.
Veronica Rubio, AOECS Secretary General attended the event at the European Parliament to represent AOECS.
What is AOECS
AOECS is an independent non-profit umbrella organization representing 38 European national coeliac societies on the international stage. The organization is involved in several international initiatives to raise awareness of coeliac disease, encourage vital research into its diagnosis and management and work for better food safety. Coeliac disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition triggered by the digestion of gluten. Around 1,5% of the world’s population have coeliac disease.
What is UEG
United European Gastroenterology (UEG) is a non-profit organization engaged in digestive health in Europe and beyond from its headquarters in Vienna. It is an umbrella organization for over 50 000 professionals working with digestive health issues. The organization works for improving the prevention and care of digestive diseases in Europe through providing education, supporting research and advancing clinical standards.
[1] Tanith C. Rose e.al, Analysis of the burden and economic impact of digestive diseases and investigation of research gaps and priorities in the field of digestive health in the Europea Region—White Book 2: Executive summary, 2022
