The Wife of the President, Mrs. Elizabeta Gjorgievska, participated today in a panel discussion on the occasion of the European Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Day titled: “Cystic Fibrosis – Out of our Battle”.
The panel discussed the challenges in treating people with cystic fibrosis, the functioning of the Cystic Fibrosis Center and the community’s struggle for access to modular therapy and other necessary drugs, in accordance with the European protocols.
In her address, Mrs. Gjorgievska welcomed the efforts of all competent and involved institutions, pointing out that joint engagement and systemic solutions are necessary for people struggling with cystic fibrosis and other rare diseases.
“People with cystic fibrosis are part of our daily lives. They need more care and attention throughout the year. For that purpose, it is necessary to raise wider public awareness of our society, greater solidarity, empathy, not only by the families, but by the whole community”, the President’s wife said in her address.
Mrs. Gjorgievska pointed out that thanks to the development of medicine, significant progress has been made, but in addition to compliance with the European protocols, substantial changes are needed, procurement and access to new and more effective drugs in order to adequately treat people with cystic fibrosis and prolong their life span.
Ivana Atanasovska shared her personal experience about the quality of life of patients with cystic fibrosis and the challenges they face. Expressing support for the Cystic Fibrosis Association, Mrs. Gjorgievska emphasized that sharing individual testimonies is a way to reach the general public and raise public awareness. She added that the treatment and care of people with rare diseases is a test for our institutions, for us as individuals and for the whole society.
The panel discussion was attended by Ambassador David Gere, Head of the EU Delegation to North Macedonia, Dr. Nikola Brzanov, President of the Club of Young Doctors, Dr. Tanja Jakoska, Head of the Cystic Fibrosis Center and Mrs. Natasa Novakovska, Founder of the Cystic Fibrosis Association. The young doctor Elena Gjinovska spoke about the perspective of the young doctors and the challenges related to the care of the patients with cystic fibrosis.
Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common rare diseases in our country with about 130 patients.
The debate is organized in partnership with the Club of Young Doctors, with the participation of the Association of Trainees and Young Doctors and the Association of Medical Students.
