Healthy future – Italian scenario and the path of Ukraine

Protecting our health is a fundamental task for each of us. However, are we all – from the state to the individual citizen – doing everything possible for this?

Italy has recently set an example for the world by implementing a national screening program for diabetes and celiac disease in children. The law, passed by the Italian Senate, mandates compulsory screening for these two conditions for all children aged 1 to 17 [1].

Screening purposes are to detect diseases at early stages and initiate timely treatment, effectively preventing the spread of neglected illnesses and reducing the burden on the healthcare system.

Italian statistics reveal that half of children diagnosed with diabetes end up in the hospital with ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition. Consequently, significant healthcare resources are allocated to assist such patients.

As for celiac disease, it remains undiagnosed in 60% of cases, leading to serious health problems for children and later in adulthood. The prevalence of celiac disease in Italy is among the highest globally, affecting one child out of every 60. These alarming numbers prompted Italy to legislate the management of these conditions, demonstrating the country’s serious commitment to the well-being of its citizens [2].

The budget allocated for screening in Italy reflects the gravity of this issue, with an annual allocation of 3.85 million euros for the first and second years and 2.85 million euros for each subsequent year. Separate funding will be provided for public awareness campaigns, totaling 150,000 euros per year [2].

The Ukrainian healthcare system also faces numerous challenges, exacerbated by factors of war affecting the organization of medical services and creating additional risks for the population. Implementing screening programs can enhance diagnosis and alleviate the strain on the system. Legislative decisions supporting screening programs and ensuring their funding are necessary to identify diseases timely, reduce treatment costs, and improve people’s quality of life.

CheckEye proposes using a cloud platform for precise, fast, and cost-effective screening for diabetic retinopathy. The technology has been tested in Ukraine and is implemented in six regions. We invite collaboration from municipal and state healthcare institutions, family doctors, local authorities, and private medical providers.
While there are examples to follow, we must take action and address the specific needs of our own context.

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