May marks Coeliac Awareness Month, an international campaign dedicated to increasing public understanding of coeliac disease and the importance of maintaining a gluten-free diet for those affected.
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the body reacts negatively to gluten - a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. When people with coeliac disease consume gluten, their immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small intestine. Over time, this damages the intestine and interferes with the body's ability to absorb essential nutrients.
At present, the only effective treatment for coeliac disease is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. By eliminating gluten entirely, the small intestine can heal and regain its normal function, allowing the body to properly absorb nutrients.
Although a gluten-free diet can be successfully managed, individuals who are newly diagnosed often face several practical challenges, particularly in the early months after diagnosis. Everyday tasks such as grocery shopping can become time-consuming, as people must carefully check ingredient lists and allergen labels to ensure that products are safe to consume.
Food preparation also requires extra care to avoid cross-contamination with gluten. For example, gluten-free pasta should never be cooked in the same water used for regular pasta, as the water becomes contaminated. Similarly, separate containers of spreads such as butter are recommended to prevent breadcrumbs from contaminating gluten-free food like bread.
However, the challenges for people with coeliac disease extend beyond the kitchen. Food plays a central role in many social activities, including family gatherings, weddings, parties, festivals and seasonal events such as Christmas markets. In many cases, people with coeliac disease may choose to eat beforehand because they are unsure whether gluten-free options will be available. Others may feel uncomfortable attending events where they cannot eat safely alongside everyone else.
These situations can sometimes lead to individuals feeling excluded or overlooked, and some may even avoid social events altogether. Addressing these social challenges is one of the key areas of focus for the Coeliac Association Malta, which works to improve the quality of life for people living with coeliac disease in Malta.
Work behind the scenes
Much of the association's work takes place behind the scenes and is carried out on a voluntary basis. Members dedicate their time to meetings, discussions and awareness-raising initiatives aimed at improving conditions for coeliacs across the country.
Among its recent initiatives, the association has been engaging with the Ministry for Health to address the availability of gluten-free food in hospitals and to promote greater awareness of coeliac disease within the healthcare sector. The organisation is also advocating for improved support that considers not only medical treatment but also the social wellbeing of patients.
At a community level, the association aims to collaborate with local councils to encourage the inclusion of gluten-free options at public events and activities. In addition, the organisation regularly communicates with political representatives to highlight challenges faced by coeliacs and to propose practical solutions that could lead to nationwide improvements.
While progress can sometimes be gradual, the association believes that each small step brings the community closer to meaningful change. Much of this work is made possible through the support of members and collaborators who contribute their time and expertise.
How the public can help
The Coeliac Association Malta also encourages individuals to get involved in supporting its mission. Volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds including healthcare, catering, tourism, event organisation, administration and marketing, can all play a valuable role in helping the organisation expand its work.
Members of the public who know someone recently diagnosed with coeliac disease are also encouraged to inform them about the association and the support it offers.
By working together, the community can continue striving towards the association's core goal: providing ongoing support and improving the quality of life for people living with coeliac disease.
For more information visit coeliacassociationmalta.org or send an email on: [email protected].
The Coeliac Association Malta is a full member of the Malta Health Network