South African Cystic Fibrosis Association - SACFA

South African Cystic Fibrosis Association - SACFA

Cystic Fibrosis - the facts
Cystic Fibrosis is a life threatening childrens’ disease. It causes two major problems from birth, a very high susceptibility to bacterial infection of the lungs, and malfunctioning of the pancreas interfering with digestion and therefore growth. Although early diagnosis and treatment have significantly improved the outcome, the disease remains a life threatening condition. Treatment after diagnosis must be continuous.

It affects 1 child in 2000 and it is estimated that 1 in 20 people are carriers. One in 4 births from two carriers are CF affected.

CF is a congenital disease, and the fundamental cause cannot be removed - although to a steadily increasing extent its ill-effects can be prevented.

Treatment
Lungs: Average daily treatment: Therapy 2 to 3 times daily. Nebulizers 2 to 3 times daily. Lung dialators and mucous thinning agents. Frequent anti-biotics. Exercise.
Pancreas: Enzyme capsules in increasing amounts with each meal (average between 2 and 12 per meal).
Regular clinic and periodic hospitalization.

Our objectives

• To provide funding for research within South Africa.
• To provide the optimal care and facilities for the CF by disseminating the latest research and developments and therapeutic regimens to medical staff, patients, and parents, by providing funding for overseas travel for medical staff to maintain contact with treatment and research centres.
• To educate the public about the disease and, through wider knowledge, to help promote earlier diagnosis.