ROME (ITALPRESS) – The presentation of the Parliamentary Intergroup on Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, which aims to further promote and implement legislation related to pediatric endocrinological and diabetological disorders, was held today in Rome at the press room of Palazzo Montecitorio. Italy took a global leadership role through the unanimous approval on September 15, 2023 of Law No. 130/2023, the first to introduce national pediatric screening for early diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and celiac disease. It is in this context that the Intergroup was born, aimed at strengthening dialogue and collaboration between institutions, the scientific community and national hospital referral centers. Chaired by Senator Elena Murelli, a member of the 10th Commission, and co-chaired by the Honorable Luca Toccalini, a member of the 10th Commission, the Intergroup is scientifically supported by Professor Valentino Cherubini, President of the Italian Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology (SIEDP) and leading the Committee of Experts. Composed of specialists in the field, the Committee provides technical and scientific support to support the development of legislative proposals and identify priorities for action in the interest of pediatric patients. “Law No. 130/2023 and the National Screening Program marked the beginning of a new era in the prevention of pediatric autoimmune diseases,” stressed Elena Murelli, opening the first session of speakers. “The integrated approach and collaboration between health institutions, patient associations, experts and families,” the senator added, “are essential for the success of this pathway. Just as fundamental is the creation of a registry of individuals positive for specific antibodies, which is essential to improve clinical follow-up and management strategies, including psychological support for patients.” In his speech, Luca Toccalini, Co-Chair of the Intergroup, wanted to highlight the need to promote public-private partnerships, supporting companies and encouraging the creation of a virtuous system of collaboration. “In this journey, the private sector is a key partner, and “continuing to invest in research, therapeutic innovation and health education,” he explained, “will be crucial to offer young patients better life prospects, reducing the burden of complications and promoting a culture of prevention. Instead, it was Professor Valentino Cherubini, president of the Italian Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology (SIEDP), who closed the first session of talks. “The national screening program for the early diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and celiac disease aims to identify children who test positive for the presence of antibodies in a timely manner, thus reducing the risk of serious complications and allowing early and targeted interventions. This is another reason why it is now necessary to work together to implement the Law with a view to improving the quality of life of patients,” the professor pointed out, adding that “the innovative aspect of the Law also concerns the creation of an integrated system involving family pediatricians, hospitals, laboratories and regional reference centers. “The Intergroup represents a model of synergy between politics and science, aimed at fostering an exchange of knowledge and strategies for improving the quality of life of pediatric patients. Its mission is based on an interdisciplinary approach and an integrated vision of prevention and treatment, to consolidate and expand on the achievements made with the adoption of Law No. 130/2023. The presentation of the Parliamentary Intergroup was also attended by Nicola Zeni, President of the Italian Diabetes Foundation (FID), Fabiano Marra, Vice President of Diabetes Italy, and Salvatore Iasevoli, Naples Provincial Secretary of the Italian Federation of Pediatricians (FIMP). As key interlocutors in the field, the three representatives focused their speeches on the centrality of the ongoing dialogue between pediatric physicians and patient associations, emphasizing how such collaboration is a key pillar in building an effective and inclusive support network.- press office photo Esperia Advocacy – (ITALPRESS)
