As you will be aware, the war in Ukraine is causing major challenges for all it's population, including people with Cystic Fibrosis. CFI is in active contact with our colleagues in Europe and Eastern Europe to ascertain the best way to support people with CF in Ukraine, which will not be a straightforward task.

From recent discussions with our European colleagues, CFI is already aware that there are major challenges for people in Ukraine with CF as general conditions and health infrastructure deteriorates. 

This is also the case for the many seeking to leave Ukraine who are now on the borders of neighbouring countries as displaced persons.

Among the immediate challenges are the need for basic CF medications for pancreatic insufficiency, antibiotics and hypertonic saline. These need to be provided in the most effective and coordinated way possible rather than through individual donations of medicines. 

As board members of the umbrella group CF Europe, CFI is part of an urgent discussion concerning how CF associations across Europe can best support people with CF in Ukraine and those seeking to leave Ukraine. We hope to involve Pharma companies in this action.

We will be back shortly to let you know how we would propose to provide effective support with our European colleagues and we will keep you updated as to how you may be able help. 

This will require careful planning as the logistics are challenging in wartime, so we would ask that such support is coordinated through CFI to make our response as effective and sustainable as possible.

Philip Watt

CEO CFI