Press release -
AOECS opens emergency initative to support people with coeliac disease in Gaza
The Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) has opened the Huda Emergency Initiative for Gaza, a dedicated fundraising initiative to support emergency deliveries of gluten-free food to people with coeliac disease affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
Experience shows people with coeliac disease are particularly vulnerable in crises
For people with coeliac disease, access to a strict gluten-free diet is not optional but a medical necessity. Experience from repeated humanitarian crises has shown that food situations often become particularly difficult for people with coeliac disease, as emergency responses rarely have the capacity to address specific dietary needs. When food supply chains are disrupted, and choice is extremely limited, this leads to a heightened risk of malnutrition, serious health complications and long-term harm.
Purpose of the Huda Emergency Initiative for Gaza
The Huda Emergency Initiative for Gaza has been established to help ensure access to safe gluten-free food for people with coeliac disease living in Gaza, through coordinated humanitarian support and trusted partners operating in the region. Funds raised through the initiative will be used to support the procurement and delivery of gluten-free food supplies, as well as related logistical and coordination costs required to reach affected individuals.
Why is the initiative named Huda
The Huda Emergency Initiative for Gaza is named in memory of Huda, an eight-year-old girl with coeliac disease who died from severe malnutrition after being unable to access appropriate food. She represents not only a tragic individual loss, but also the many children and adults in Gaza whose condition remains invisible within general humanitarian responses. The initiative’s name underscores the urgent need for targeted, medically appropriate food assistance.
Coordination and governance of the emergency response
AOECS is coordinating the initiative through its Emergency Fund framework, in close cooperation with the Jordanian and Italian Coeliac Associations, building on experience gained from previous humanitarian responses, including emergency support for people with coeliac disease affected by the war in Ukraine. All funds are managed centrally by AOECS and directed exclusively to emergency support for people with coeliac disease.
More information about the Huda Emergency Initiative for Gaza, including how to contribute, is available on the AOECS website.
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The Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) is an independent, non-profit umbrella organisation of over 40 member and affiliated National Coeliac Societies. Together with our members, we represent people affected by coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis across Europe and beyond.
We are involved in several international initiatives to raise awareness of coeliac disease, gluten free diets, and encourage research into coeliac disease early diagnosis, patient’s quality of life and cure.
