Physical Health

Fondation Dora supported the « Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Israel » (CFFI) in implementing the project “Overcoming Culture and Language Barriers to Treat Cystic Fibrosis in Arab and Bedouin Communities”. This educational programme aims to better meet the needs of the one-third of Israeli children with cystic fibrosis who are not yet benefitting from CFFI’s care.

 

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic, progressive disease affecting multiple organs. Patients have an average life-expectancy of 37 years. The CFFI currently runs six multi-disciplinary CF clinics in several Israeli hospitals. It also provides families with financial support for equipment and medications, cares for patients before and after transplant procedures, and organises various educational workshops.

 

Studies show that despite all patients receiving the same clinical therapies and home care recommendations, treatment results for Arab and Bedouin CF patients are less positive than for Jewish patients. Social workers confirm that the needs of both populations are the same, but cultural differences impact treatment efficacy.

 

The project “Overcoming Culture and Language Barriers to Treat Cystic Fibrosis in Arab and Bedouin Communities” is designed to address this treatment gap and better serve CF children and family members who, because of language barriers, are unaware of CFFI’s work or are unable to access its services. The programme also produces educational materials in Arabic on important CF topics: awareness of genetic testing, coping tools for children living with the disease, advice for caregivers and educators, and physiotherapy and nutritional guidance books for improving care at home.