Professor Stefano Guandalini, a world expert on coeliac disease, is expected in Malta this week to deliver talks on Coeliac disease and gluten related disorders. Being brought over to Malta by PR firm Narrative Structures, Professor Guandalini is an internationally recognised expert on coeliac disease and his work has greatly influenced the way this condition is diagnosed and treated today. His guidelines for the diagnosis of coeliac disease in both children and adults are now used worldwide.  Professor Guandalini is Founder and Medical Director of the University of Chicago Coeliac Disease Centre. 

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune digestive disease that damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. Essentially the body is attacking itself every time a person with coeliac consumes gluten. When people with coeliac disease eat foods containing gluten, their immune system responds by damaging the finger-like villi of the small intestine. When the villi become damaged, the body is unable to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream, which can lead to malnourishment. The only way to manage coeliac disease is to adopt a gluten free diet.  

Education and national awareness on the medical condition is crucial. In response to this Narrative Structures have organised a visit to Malta by Professor Guandalini who will deliver two talks; one for medical professionals on April 23rd and the other for the general public on April 25th. The talks are being organised in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute, The Italian Embassy and the President's Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society.

This worthwhile initiative also has the invaluable support of Golden Harvest, Pro Health and MSV Life, along with other local firms, NGOs and media partner Times of Malta.

For further information email: [email protected].