Coeliac disease is a common, autoimmune condition that can occur at any age and is treated with a lifelong gluten free diet. When someone with coeliac disease eats gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley and rye), their immune system attacks itself and causes damage to the gut. If left undiagnosed and untreated long term, the disease can cause complications like growth problems, delayed puberty, tooth enamel defects, iron deficiency anaemia, chronic fatigue and, over time, osteoporosis.These potential complications can be avoided with early diagnosis and treatment.
In a country like Pakistan majority of people with low socio economic status can’t afford the recommended diet for their children.
A concerning majority of subjects are lost to follow up for reasons such as inability to afford when advised Gluten free diet and a poor understanding of the disease process resulting in malnourished and very sick children.
Professor Aamir Ghafoor Khan is doing amazing work on this project with his team in collaboration with our trustees Dr Hasnain and Miss Alia Arif. We supply Gluten free diet under his supervision to hospitals in Lahore and Peshawar.