Improving the management of celiac disease in the Danube region: "CD SKILLS" project

Experts, researchers, and practitioners met in Chisinau during the national scientific conference with the generic title "Stronger together for patients with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity conditions", thus also marking the European Cooperation Day 2023.

The conference was organized on November 2 by the Office for the Management of External Assistance Programs, as the National Contact Point of the Danube Transnational Programme in the Republic of Moldova.

Topics related to the existing challenges and achievements in the management of celiac disease were addressed under "CD SKILLS - Improving the management of celiac disease in the Danube region by raising awareness, enhancing knowledge and developing better skills" project, implemented by Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy during 2020-2022, together with 18 partners from nine countries, through the Danube Transnational Programme 2021-2027, co-financed by the European Union.

University professor Alexandru Corlăteanu, head of the Cooperation and Research Section within the Research Department of Nicolae Testemitanu University, noted the fact that, for the first time, a team of gastroenterologists from the Republic of Moldova managed to develop the Electronic Register of patients with celiac disease, which makes possible the centralized record keeping of patients with celiac disease at the national level, thanks to the CD SKILLS project. "This Register is an indispensable tool for the monitoring and management of the disease, serving as a basis for the development of a national celiac disease program. Due to this collaboration, new perspectives have emerged for Nicolae Testemitanu University in the field of research. This allows to ensure a normal life for all adults and children with celiac disease in the Republic of Moldova. We want to contribute to the creation of a social framework for ensuring a normal life for people with celiac disease, helping them to integrate into society", added the professor.

"The objective of the "CD SKILLS" project consists in the development of an innovative learning management, the prevention of celiac disease through population screening and early diagnosis", mentioned project coordinator Tatiana Raba, Associate Professor at the Department of Pediatrics of Nicolae Testemitanu University, pediatric gastroenterologist. In this regard, within the project, the guides Hand in hand with celiac disease, Living with celiac disease and the Patient's Guide for gluten-free diets intended for patients and specialists in this field were developed; training seminars for physicians were conducted, sensitive reagents and rapid tests were procured for screening the high-risk population. "Through this project, we want to strengthen the knowledge, skills and competences of health professionals and patients regarding celiac disease, so that the life of patients with this disease in the Republic of Moldova can improve", Associate Professor Tatiana Raba stated.

The event was attended by representatives of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova and the Office of the People's Advocate.

Celiac disease is a hereditary condition characterized by a systemic reaction to gluten, present in wheat, barley, and rye. Approximately 80 percent of patients are diagnosed late or incorrectly, because of this they develop autoimmune conditions that can lead to serious complications. Currently, 67 people are registered in the Electronic Register of patients with celiac disease, but it is believed that their number is much higher.