What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common, life threatening disease in the Caucasian population. It is estimated that there are between 700000 and 100000 people with CF worldwide but it is difficult to state an accurate figure, as people with CF in countries without developed healthcare may die before diagnosis. There are around 30000 people with CF in the USA, over 7500 in the UK and aprox. 30,000 in EU. We estimate that over 80,000 people may be living with CF in India alone. Around 1 in 25 of the Caucasian population carries the faulty gene that causes CF. If both parents are carriers, there is a 1 in 4 chance that the baby will be born with CF. CF clogs the internal organs (especially the lungs and digestive tract) with thick sticky mucus, which makes it very difficult to breathe and digest food. In the USA and UK, average life expectancy is between 35 to 40. Rigorous daily treatment is required to keep people healthy including hours of physiotherapy, inhaled and intravenous drugs and taking enzyme pills to digest food. 

CFW is an organization representing the CF community with a focus on poor countries. It has over 65 member countries globally and works in official relations with the WHO. Its objective is a world where those affected by CF receive appropriate care, education and information regardless of where they live. CFW is dedicated to promoting the development of CF lay organizations that implement projects directly reaching patients in need.