Representatives of the “Sister Dalila” Charity Foundation, PHURDA at the invitation of the ELF (European Lung Foundation), joined the ELF Network Patient Organization Day, which took place within the framework of the ERS Congress in Paris on September 15th.

The meeting started rather unusual. For the purpose of rapid integration, participants have joined an interesting quiz on pulmonary diseases. The team of winners received memorable souvenirs. Subsequently, the speakers presented their education projects for doctors and patients in the context of various pulmonary diseases. The “Sisters of Dalila” CF presented information about its activities, in particular the CBP Program implemented by the European Association of Pulmonary Hypertension in support of weak associations. Actually, within the framework of the CBP program and the Memorandum signed with PHA Norway, the “Sister Dalila” Foundation has started a rehab program for patients with pulmonary hypertension in Ukraine. Such a program is an additional treatment, especially when patients have limited access to drugs. It was nice to see and feel the warm welcome of our delegates. During the day, 22 posters on the activity of the participants of the meeting were posted in the hall. Here it was possible to see posters of various patient organizations representing different pulmonary conditions: Tuberculosis, Sarcoidosis, Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, Asthma, etc. Several of them were presented verbally. Participants also got acquainted with the information about our poster “Collaboration for Better PHuture”, where we presented our cooperation with PHA Europe, PHA Norway, Eurordis, ELF which aims at medical and patient training in Ukraine.

It is especially interesting to see the use of advanced technologies in the treatment approach and facilitating communication between the patient and the physician. For example, the Happyair Ecosystem project, which allows a physician to track the patient’s condition at a distance through the digital platform, or  a video game for children, to help them better understand their condition. It was also interesting to hear about the role of patients in obtaining education by doctors.

In general, the meeting gave us the opportunity not only to present our achievements in overcoming the problems of pulmonary hypertension, but also to find out the news of other organizations. We sincerely thank the European Lung Foundation for the scholarship provided to our delegates and the Ukraine International Airlines for the wings of  support.