Cystic Fibrosis Europe (CF Europe) is deeply committed to promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) within its organization and across the broader cystic fibrosis (CF) community

Diversity

As a European umbrella organization, CF Europe places respectful cross-cultural communication and cultural awareness at the core of its mission. Recognizing the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences of individuals living with cystic fibrosis (CF), we strive to foster an environment where all voices are heard, respected, and valued. As a patient-focused organization, we are committed to amplifying the voices and perspectives of people with CF in all aspects of our work. 

Equity

CF Europe is dedicated to ensuring that everyone with CF – regardless of ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic or citizenship status, or geographical location – has access to optimal care, treatment, and equal opportunities, resources, and support. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, particularly the principle of leaving no one behind, a key focus of our organization is promoting health equity and advocating for the universal right to equal healthcare, access to the most innovative and life-changing treatments, research, and patient support services.  We work to ensure that marginalized and underserved populations, in regions with limited infrastructure or in countries facing war, socioeconomic challenges, or climate-related crises, have access to the healthcare they need.  

Inclusion

CF Europe goes beyond simply empowering patient communities across Europe; it actively collaborates with them, fostering a respectful and inclusive approach to decision-making. By facilitating peer support rooted in solidarity, the organization ensures a horizontal and participatory approach, where individuals with CF and their communities are integral partners in shaping policies, practices, and initiatives.  

An intersectional approach to DEI

Through its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, CF Europe strengthens its mission to enhance the quality of life and well-being of all those affected by cystic fibrosis. We recognise that each individual’s experiences of health and healthcare is different and shaped by various aspects of their lives (e.g. visible or invisible disability, comorbidities, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, age) and by structural inequities (e.g. high pricing preventing access to life-saving medicine, mobility barriers, discrimination, living conditions). For people with rare diseases including cystic fibrosis, these intersecting factors can create unique barriers to access to health and well-being, (e.g. delaying or preventing access to timely diagnosis, life-saving treatment, care, support) as well as to access to education and employment.  

For the right to health to be upheld for all people living with CF, we must acknowledge these complexities and address health inequities, so that we can truly respond to the global call to leave no one behind.