Central Asian-Mongolian-Iranian celiac disease taskforce: A look into the future- 2026-2035 and beyond.

BACKGROUND

There is limited data on celiac disease (CeD) from Central Asia and Mongolia. In contrast, data from Iran shows a rapid increase in the number of diagnosed cases since early 2000s. Limited data is available and likely due to low awareness, limited diagnostic access and the current belief that CeD is uncommon.

OBJECTIVES

The first international Task Force for CeD met to have a look into the future at the Republican Specialized Centre of Pediatrics, Tashkent, Uzbekistan (March 2026) to (1) focus on diagnosis and prevalence research; (2) promote affordable serological testing for all socio-economic strata; (3) improve involvement of medical sub-specialties; (4) suggest proper gluten-free legislation for wheat food labeling and (5) organize affordable gluten-free food for CeD patients in general. KEY RECOMMENDATIONS (2026-2030): Standardize local tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTGA) testing to ≤ 5-10$/test; evaluate point-of-care tests in rural clinics Conduct population-based serosurveys in Central Asia, Iran and Mongolia (n ≥ 1000 each) Advocate for mandatory gluten-free labeling standards (≤ 20 ppm) Evaluation of abdominal ultrasound in CeD recognition Establish CeD patient associations to improve patient empowerment in Central Asia, Mongolia and Iran Develop online CeD training modules for clinicians in local languages.