The event, held at the PAU Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Yılmaz Congress and Culture Center, was attended by Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör as well as Vice Rector Prof. Dr. İbrahim Türkçüer, Dean of the PAU Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Sevgi Özkan, Chief Physician of PAU Hospitals Prof. Dr. Hakan Alkan, Head of the Department of Health, Culture and Sports (SKS) Sinan Baş, President of the Denizli Celiac Association Keziban Uçar, academics, and students.

 

Dean Özkan: “Celiac is not only a medical issue; it is also a social matter that directly affects social life, education, working conditions, and psychological well-being.”

 

The first opening speech of the event was delivered by Prof. Dr. Sevgi Özkan of the Faculty of Health Sciences. Prof. Dr. Özkan stated: “Before beginning my speech, we learned with great sorrow of the passing of Yaren Göçmen, a second-year student of our Faculty’s Department of Nursing. We wish Allah’s mercy upon her and extend our condolences and patience to her family and loved ones. Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease that occurs as a result of the immune system’s reaction to gluten, lasts throughout life, and whose only treatment is lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet. Despite affecting millions of people worldwide and in our country, the disease is still not sufficiently recognized, which leads to delays in diagnosis processes and negatively affects individuals’ quality of life. Celiac is not only a medical issue; it is also a social matter that directly affects social life, education, working conditions, and psychological well-being. Access to safe food, accurate labeling, ensuring appropriate nutrition conditions in communal living spaces, and raising public awareness are the most fundamental factors that make life easier for individuals with celiac disease. The purpose of this event organized today is to disseminate accurate information about celiac disease, eliminate misconceptions, and raise awareness across all segments of society. Because we know that as awareness increases, early diagnosis becomes possible, and as empathy develops, the participation of individuals with celiac disease in social life is strengthened. On this occasion, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this organization and express my hope that the information shared, the evaluations made, and the collaborations established will turn into concrete steps that will make the lives of individuals with celiac disease easier. Thank you for your participation and sensitivity, and I wish the program to be productive.”

 

Rector Güngör: “As a first among universities, we opened a separate section in our cafeteria and supply materials entirely for gluten-free nutrition.”

 

Speaking at the event, Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör stated the following: “Celiac disease is a condition in which daily life within society can be maintained like that of normal individuals when life-facilitating practices are implemented after the disease is recognized. As Pamukkale University, with the support of our Department of Health, Culture and Sports, our faculty member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ufuk Kutluana from the field of Gastroenterology, and other academic colleagues, our university has become aware of this issue. As a first among universities, we opened a separate section in our cafeteria and created a distinct environment by supplying materials entirely for gluten-free nutrition. There, we serve approximately fifty meals daily to our students and staff. Great importance is also attached to preventing cross-contamination. Necessary efforts should be made to include gluten-free products in other enterprises affiliated with SKS and our University’s Social Facilities Economic Enterprise Directorate, and this awareness should be expanded to make life easier. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the organization of this important event and welcome you all.”

 

Following the opening speeches, PAU SKS Department Head Sinan Baş delivered his presentation titled Gluten-Free Meal Practices at PAU. After the presentation, Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör presented a certificate of appreciation to SKS Department Head Sinan Baş. Following the presentation, the program continued with a musical performance.

 

The full-day program continued with sessions prepared under various titles such as The Burden of Living with Celiac, Children and Celiac Disease, Celiac Disease and the Importance of a Gluten-Free Diet, Diet and Nutrition in Celiac Disease, and From Diagnosis to Adaptation in Celiac Disease: Psychological Processes and Recommendations.