Legal framework for celiac disease in Mexico

The Congress of the State of Sonora carried out an open parliament session focused on strengthening the state legal framework for the care of celiac patients, in which there was dialogue between policy makers, healthcare professionals and members of the patient groups.
There were proposed reforms to the Health Law to guarantee access to services for people with celiac disease, based on respect for their right to medical care, non-discrimination and safety of gluten free food.
The proposal goes on to specify that people diagnosed with celiac disease should be allowed to enter and consume their own food in places where the availability of gluten free options is not guaranteed.
The Ministry of Health is expected to have an active role in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of food intended for celiac patients. It’s also proposed that a voluntary certification system for catering establishments is established and implemented alongside public and private hospitals needing to provide access to appropriate medical and nutritional care.
Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune condition triggered by the consumption of gluten, a protein found in cereals such as wheat, barley and rye. Left undiagnosed and untreated it can lead to serious long term health complications such as osteoporosis, infertility, recurrent miscarriage and in rare cases small bowel lymphoma. During the session at the parliament, attendees shared comments and testimonies about celiac disease and the impact it has in their everyday life.
Having a legal framework that comprehensively addresses celiac disease, that promotes awareness and access to adequate nutrition would represent a significant improvement in the quality of life of patients.
International Society for the Study of Celiac disease (ISSCD) Member, Alejandra López Montes, from Familias Sin Gluten, was in the Sonora Parliament to advocate for the celiac community. Alejandra has been guided by Fernando Chirdo, Chair of the ISSCD’s Latin American Society for the Study of Celiac Disease regional group.
All should be very proud of their advocacy work and the potential for wider implementation across Mexico and beyond.