Press release -
Spain Hosts Historic Parliamentary Day Focused on Coeliac Disease
Madrid, May 16th, 2024 -
Spain is set to host its first-ever parliamentary day dedicated to raising awareness about coeliac disease. Scheduled to coincide with the International Coeliac Disease Awareness Day, this landmark event will take place on Thursday, May 16th, in the prestigious Clara Campoamor room of the Spanish Congress, from 10:00 to 13:30 CET.
The parliamentary day aims to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals living with coeliac disease and foster discussions on advancements in research and clinical practices related to the condition.
The event will be streamed live via the following link: Live Stream Link.
Distinguished speakers from various esteemed institutions will contribute to the dialogue, including representatives from the Spanish Coeliac Disease Society (SEEC), Biomedical Research Network Centre for Liver and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD), and the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN).
The agenda features engaging discussions across two key roundtable sessions:
- Roundtable on Research and Clinical Situation: Leading researchers and experts will delve into the latest advancements in scientific research concerning coeliac disease.
- Roundtable on the Situation of Affected Individuals: Experts in psychology and nutrition, along with prominent representatives from major Coeliac Societies in Spain, will provide insights into the current state of coeliac disease in the country, adopting a multidisciplinary approach.
The day will culminate with a presentation titled "The Situation of Coeliac Disease in Europe" by Verónica Rubio, the General Secretary of the Association of Coeliac Associations of Europe (AOECS).
This groundbreaking parliamentary initiative underscores Spain's commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by coeliac disease and underscores the importance of collaboration and dialogue in driving progress in the field.
The situation in Spain for coeliacs
According to the Catalonian Coeliac Society (SMAP), significant challenges persist in Spain regarding coeliac disease. These include improving the underdiagnosis rate, with one in every 7.5 coeliac individuals unaware of their condition. Additionally, there is an average diagnostic delay of 7 years in adults, highlighting the need for improved healthcare practices. Spain's healthcare system also faces inequalities compared to other patients, as it does not guarantee patient adherence to treatment follow-up, distinguishing it from many European countries.
Furthermore,ensuring food safety when dining out, whether in workplaces, hospitals, prisons, bakeries, etc., remains a concern. The psychosocial impact and trivialization of the condition further underscore the need for concerted efforts to address these challenges.
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.
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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.
