# Italian national healthcare screening initiatives > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-national-healthcare-screening-initiatives > Updated: 2026-10-12T02:35:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Medical experts and government authorities in Italy are focusing on expanding and standardizing national screening programs. Initially, the Italian Society of Human Genetics (Sigu) emphasized the importance of new genetic screenings included in the Essential Levels of Care (Lea), such as prenatal, neonatal, and hereditary cancer predisposition tests. Experts noted that while these additions are significant, the primary challenge is ensuring “uniform access across all regions” to prevent healthcare disparities. Following these discussions on genetic and essential care, the Italian Ministry of Health approved a decree to launch a multi-year national screening program specifically for children. This initiative targets children aged 5 to 6 to detect type 1 diabetes and celiac disease, utilizing existing vaccination schedules to facilitate testing. The program aims to prevent ketoacidosis and address the significant underdiagnosis of celiac disease through coordination between the Ministry of Health and regional authorities. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-12: Italy launches national pediatric screening for diabetes and celiac disease Italy is launching a national pediatric screening program for children aged 5-6 to detect type 1 diabetes and celiac disease through voluntary capillary blood tests during routine vaccinations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-launches-national-pediatric-screening-for-diabetes-and-celiac-disease ### 2026-10-09: Italian geneticists call for uniform access to new healthcare screenings Italian geneticists are calling for uniform regional access to newly included prenatal, neonatal, and hereditary cancer screenings within the country's Essential Levels of Care. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-geneticists-call-for-uniform-access-to-new-healthcare-screenings --- Cite as: Italian national healthcare screening initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-national-healthcare-screening-initiatives