Dr Andrew Wilfin
MBChB MRCGP MFPM
Senior Country Medical Director, Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Cystic fibrosis (CF) care in Ireland, the country with the highest incidence of CF in the world, has been transformed by medical progress, advocacy and scientific breakthroughs. The determined work of the CF community has delivered real improvements in life expectancy, quality of care and support systems.
However, the evolving needs of people with CF reinforce one clear message: the work is not finished. People with CF now live longer and healthier lives. Yet longer life brings new challenges. Care is no longer only about survival. It must support wellbeing at every stage of life and respond to issues that go well beyond the lungs.
Transforming the early years
Children are diagnosed at birth, through screening, and access to advanced therapies allows clinicians to act quickly. Early intervention helps protect organ function and gives children a stronger foundation for better long-term health.
“As a respiratory doctor looking after children with CF, I have witnessed a remarkable transformation in care over the past decade,” explains Professor Des Cox, Consultant in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Children’s Health Ireland. “Children and adults with CF now have better health, longer life expectancy and opportunities that were once thought not possible.”
Early progress matters, but CF remains a complex, lifelong condition. Despite advances in treatments, regular monitoring and daily care routines remain a reality for many families. Effects on the gastrointestinal system and pancreas also continue for many people with CF.
Navigating new stages of life
A new generation is growing up with CF and redefining expectations. As life expectancy has increased, many people now plan for adult lives, including education, careers and families. That progress requires health and social systems to adapt to a very different reality.
National outcome data reflect this shift. Godfrey Fletcher, CEO, Cystic Fibrosis Registry of Ireland (CFRI), observes, “CFRI has been collecting CF patient outcome data for over 26 years. The change in outcomes over those years is nothing but miraculous, and with developments in disease management, the mean predicted survival age for individuals with CF born today is very close to 63 years (for those born between 2020 and 2024) – a dramatic improvement, although still younger than the national average. We believe this positive trend will continue. People with CF are now busy planning for a future!”
The needs of people with CF now extend beyond the clinic. As adults represent the majority of Ireland’s CF population, there is growing focus on supporting independent living, including financial planning, pensions, health insurance, housing and workplace accommodations. Greater attention on mental health, fertility, family planning and the pressure of lifelong treatment also needs to continue.
Children and adults with CF now have better health,
longer life expectancy and opportunities that were once thought not possible
Emerging medical challenges
As the CF community ages, services and care models are adapting to support older adults living with a complex, multisystem disease. In several centres, CF practitioners now help coordinate care, while virtual clinics reduce the need for some in-person appointments. These changes help direct specialist time where it is needed most.
However, this shift also creates fresh challenges. As some CF care moves toward primary care, general practitioners and community healthcare professionals need stronger CF awareness and training.
Important questions also remain. There remains a need for better management of abdominal symptoms, pancreatic issues, inflammation and bronchiectasis. Researchers are also exploring whether early treatment can prevent long-term complications in other organs. Unresolved issues around adherence and maternal outcomes need continued focus.
A commitment to the future
Progress in CF care comes from collaboration. Scientists drive innovation, clinicians tailor care and patient organisations help ensure evolving needs are heard in policy- and practice-shaping discussions. That team effort has delivered real gains, but the journey is far from over.
While significant progress has been made in Irish CF care, important challenges remain. At Vertex, we are committed to working alongside the CF community to address remaining gaps in care and help improve quality of life for people living with CF.
IE-02-2600004 (v1.0) | 06/2026
