National Association of Celiacs of Georgia Celebrates 1st Anniversary with Successful Gluten-Free Expo
December 9, Tbilisi, Georgia - The National Association of Celiacs of Georgia (GNCA), the newest affiliate member of the Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS), marked its first anniversary with a pioneering gluten-free expo in Tbilisi. The event, which took place on December 9th in the Axis Tower in Tbilisi, garnered widespread attention and participation from key stakeholders, making it a resounding success.
Distinguished attendees included prominent Georgian pediatricians, gastroenterologists, and endocrinologists, alongside representatives from governmental bodies, including the Health and Education Ministries. The expo received extensive coverage from Georgian TV, further amplifying its impact.
Founded by dedicated parents of children with celiac disease, GNCA is working towards raising awareness, enhancing patients' quality of life, and fostering collaboration between the private and medical sectors. The organization's commitment was reflected in the success of the expo, where crucial issues surrounding celiac disease were discussed.
A focal point of the discussions was the significance of early medical screening for the detection of celiac disease. Given that the condition can manifest at any age and remain asymptomatic for extended periods or present with atypical symptoms, the consensus among medical professionals and the association was the need for screening in high-risk groups. This includes first-line relatives and patients with other autoimmune diseases, as celiac disease often exhibits connections with other conditions, notably type I diabetes.
The expo received generous support from medical company Human Diagnostics, which provided complimentary diagnostic tests for celiac disease to the Georgian Celiac Association. This invaluable contribution underscored the collaborative efforts required to address the multifaceted challenges associated with celiac disease.
Encouraging international collaboration, GNCA invited Georgian doctors to establish connections with European colleagues. In line with this initiative, the association is planning to organize an international conference, either in Tbilisi or online, in the coming year.
The success of the gluten-free expo not only celebrated GNCA's remarkable first year but also highlighted the growing momentum in addressing celiac disease and fostering collaborative efforts in Georgia.
For more information on GNCA and future initiatives, please visit GNCA on Facebook.