Ukraine at the 49th European Cystic Fibrosis Conference: Resilience, Partnership, and the Fight for Health Even in Times of War.

War does not stop us. While Ukrainian defenders continue to hold the front line, Ukraine’s medical community continues its own fight — for health, access to treatment, and a dignified future for people living with cystic fibrosis. Below is a message from Larisa Voloshyna, President of the All-Ukrainian Association for Assistance to Patients with Cystic Fibrosis:

“At the 49th European Cystic Fibrosis Conference in Lisbon, I had the honor of representing Ukraine together with our physicians and partners. For me, this was an opportunity not only to speak about the achievements of the Ukrainian cystic fibrosis community, but also to once again remind the world that, even during wartime, we continue to strengthen and develop support systems for our patients.

One of the important outcomes of the conference was successful discussions with Vertex. Thanks to the company’s decision in 2023, Ukrainian patients with cystic fibrosis gained access to modern CFTR modulator therapy. For many families, this was not simply a new treatment option, but a chance at life — an opportunity to breathe, make plans, study, work, and dream about the future.

I would also like to highlight the importance of the Twinning Project for Ukraine. Today, our country has six international partnerships between cystic fibrosis centers:

Kyiv— Israel
Vinnytsia— France
Ivano-Frankivsk — France
Lviv —  United Kingdom
Zaporizhzhia— Israel
Odesa— Israel

Behind these partnerships stand years of collaboration, knowledge exchange, physician training, the implementation of modern treatment approaches, and invaluable international support. Thanks to these efforts, Ukrainian healthcare professionals have the opportunity to work in accordance with the highest international standards, while patients receive better and more effective medical care.

Despite the war, Ukraine continues to fight and move forward. We are strong. Every day, we demonstrate our resilience on every front — military, social, civic, and healthcare. Our physicians continue to save lives, patient organizations continue to advocate for people’s rights, and our international partners continue to support us through the most challenging times.

I am sincerely proud of the Ukrainian cystic fibrosis community — physicians, patients, parents, volunteers, and partners. Together, we are improving lives and bringing our shared victory closer.

A victory not only on the battlefield, but also in the fight for health, dignity, access to modern treatment, and a better future for every Ukrainian.
We believe in Ukraine, and we work for Ukraine!
I extend my deepest gratitude to the Armed Forces of Ukraine for protecting the life and future of our nation.”