AOECS and AIC to Commemorate Coeliac Awareness Day at the Senate of the Italian Republic

Rome, Italy – May 14, 2024 (10 am to 1 pm) - The Italian Coeliac Association (AIC) will together with the Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) mark International Coeliac Awareness Day (May 16th) with a special presence at the Senate of the Republic in the esteemed Zuccari Hall.

The event, endorsed by the Parliamentary Intergroup on Coeliac Disease, Food Allergies, and AFMS, spearheaded by Senator Elena Murelli, aims to raise awareness among political entities, institutions, scientific communities, and media outlets about the daily challenges confronting individuals with coeliac disease and their caregivers.

Through their intervention, AOECS and AIC will represent the patients' perspectives. This initiative underscores a crucial step in creating awareness for the needs and rights of those affected by coeliac disease.

The AOECS will be represented by Tunde Koltai, Chairwoman of the AOECS Board. The event will be televised at https://webtv.senato.it and https://www.youtube.com/user/SenatoItaliano.

What is Coeliac Disease

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition in which cereals containing gluten trigger an inflammatory reaction in the small intestine. It is estimated that around 100 million people globally suffer from coeliac disease.

However, only approximately 25% of these individuals have been diagnosed; the remainder are either unaware of their condition or suffer from various related ailments. If left untreated, the disease can lead to a severely reduced quality of life and an increased risk of premature death.

Currently, the only known treatment for coeliac disease is a lifelong strict gluten-free diet.