Today marks the start of the 12th South-Easte Europe Cystic Fibrosis Conference, organized for the first time in Kosovo by the Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the European Cystic Fibrosis Society and the Association “Support Group for Cystic Fibrosis in Kosovo”.
At the opening ceremony, which followed the press conference, attendees included the Minister of Health, Dr. Arben Vitia; the Secretary General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Naim Bardiqi; the leader of CF Europe, Ms. Hilde De Keyser; ECFS Board Member, Mr. Pavel Drevinek; the President of the Association “Support Group for Cystic Fibrosis in Kosovo,” Mr. Atdhe Rama; and Paediatrician, Dr. Vlora Nimani.
Also participating in the conference were doctors, researchers, health professionals, association representatives, parents, and individuals affected by cystic fibrosis from all over Kosovo.
In his opening remarks, Minister Vitia emphasized the importance of this gathering for advancing scientific knowledge and improving the treatment conditions for patients with cystic fibrosis. He noted that this event presents an excellent opportunity to bring together leading experts, doctors, and organizations working to enhance the lives of people with cystic fibrosis and to exchange new scientific information and best practices.
“This event provides an excellent opportunity to bring together the most prominent experts, doctors, researchers, and organizations who work every day to improve the lives of people with cystic fibrosis, to share new scientific information, best practices, and significant developments in the treatment of this disease,” stated Minister Vitia.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of public awareness regarding early detection and appropriate treatment for cystic fibrosis – a genetic disease that affects many aspects of patients’ lives and necessitates ongoing attention, cooperation, and strong support from the healthcare system and society.
During the press conference, Secretary General Dr. Naim Bardiqi emphasized that cystic fibrosis requires continuous commitment, support, and ongoing research to ensure more effective treatments, increased life expectancy, and better quality of life for those affected by cystic fibrosis.
“The Ministry of Health supports patients with cystic fibrosis by providing necessary treatments through the provision of pharmaceutical products: Pancreatin enzyme 300mg and 150mg, Dornase Alfa, and ADEK vitamins (in both solution and tablet forms), as well as other complementary therapies as needed. The value of the therapies provided is around 2 million euros annually. Additionally, Cystic Fibrosis has been included in the Neonatal Screening Program, which will commence this year, enabling early identification of diseases including cystic fibrosis and, of course, timely initiation of treatment,” stated Dr. Bardiqi.
The president of CF Europe, Ms. Hilde De Keyser, expressed her pleasure that this year’s South-East Europe Cystic Fibrosis Conference is being held in Prishtina. She also added that in the coming days, patient organizations, cystic fibrosis professionals, and other stakeholders will share their expertise, strengthen networks, and discuss how to overcome the challenges faced by people with cystic fibrosis.
Meanwhile, ECFS’s Head of Twinning Programs, Mr. Pavel Drevinek, emphasized that Pristina was purposefully chosen as the host because it is an active center in the international twinning program with the Netherlands, similar to Skopje and Tirana. According to him, the goal of the twinning project is that no patient or healthcare professional is left behind.
The 12th South-East Europe Cystic Fibrosis Conference will last three days, providing opportunities to discuss the most recent developments in patient treatment and support, as well as to strengthen international cooperation in improving care for people living with cystic fibrosis.
