CFI pledges an immediate €10,000 from its reserves to provide emergency practical support for those in Ukraine, as part of a Europe-wide initiative by CF associations 

CFI urges donation of funding rather than donation of medications 

Date of issue: Wednesday, March 16 2022 

Philip Watt, CEO, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, comments: 

“The situation in the Ukraine for people with cystic fibrosis is already dire in the north, east and south where the Russian army has invaded. People with cystic fibrosis (CF) are living in bomb-shelters, often without adequate supplies of food and water and with no basic medical supplies. Children and those already very ill from CF are most at risk. 

“Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) is in touch with the Ukraine CF Association and representatives from CF associations in bordering countries such as Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania and other EU CF associations. A plan of action to provide immediate supports and logistics is underway. 

“CFI is providing funding to assist the purchase of Creon (enzymes that help prevent malnutrition and starvation for those with CF), essential anti-biotics and hypertonic saline, and to help with the logistics of providing such medications. 

“CFI has urged the support of pharmaceutical company VIATRIS which has bases in Ireland and which owns the patent for an essential CF anti-biotic and pancreatic enzyme and they have indicated they will help, which is very welcome. 

“CFI has also written to the Minister for Foreign Affairs seeking financial and other support. 

“There are at least five categories of people with CF in, or from, Ukraine who need help: 

· Those who are living in the warzones in the north, south and east fringes of Ukraine who are under direct attack and who are living in bomb-shelters often without electricity and basic supplies – these will be the most challenging to support 

· Those who are living in central and western Ukraine where health and other basic services are deteriorating rapidly and who are living in fear of further Russian army incursions 

· Those who are fleeing the conflict as displaced persons and who are seeking to cross borders (a process that often takes three to four days) in a period of continuing very cold weather 

· Those who have already crossed borders and who are seeking help in neighbouring countries such as Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania 

· Those who have reached bordering countries and who are now waiting to be relocated to western European countries, such as France, Germany, Belgium, Spain and Ireland. 

“It is estimated that there are at least 1,000 people registered with CF in Ukraine, though this is likely to be a significant underestimation. 

“CFI has also pledged to provide an immediate €10,000 from our reserves as emergency support to help the people with CF in Ukraine. We have further pledged that €1 in every €10 raised as part of our annual 65 Roses campaign will go to those with CF living in, or seeking to flee, the Ukraine. 

“CFI understands that the first instinct for people with CF and others may be to send medications they may have. From an Irish perspective, however, we would caution that this is not advisable. Medications can deteriorate quickly if not sent or stored in the correct conditions. Equally, people with CF here need to continue to adhere to their prescriptions and not to jeopardise their own health. 

“CFI will also work to ensure that those with CF who come to Ireland seeking assistance will be given as much support as possible, including access to health care.” 

To make a donation to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland’s 65 Roses Day campaign (65 Roses Day is on Friday April 8), visit www.65Roses.ie