[Cystic fibrosis in Morroco : what do words mean without action ?]

It is estimated that in highly medicalised countries, median life expectancy for most newborns with cystic fibrosis now exceeds 70 years, approaching that of the general population. However, socio-economic disparities between countries continue to have a devastating impact on the prognosis of patients in Eastern Europe, Africa, India and South America. In Morocco, very limited genetic data suggest that the prevalence of this disease is at least of the same order as in Belgium. But as it is not really recognised by the national health system, patients are denied access even to symptomatic treatment. As a result, their outcome is tragic, similar to what it was 60 years ago in the most medicalised countries. A pilot project for a first paediatric reference centre in Casablanca is currently being set up. If properly resourced, this project can only be a success and should be the first step on the road towards cystic fibrosis care in this country. In a very humble way, several Belgian stakeholders are trying to support this project.