For a long time many have thought there is no CF in African people. Slowly we are identifying children with CF on our continent and in Kenya. Children with CF may present with meconium ileus; recurrent pneumonia; and severe malnutrition due to pancreatic insufficiency - conditions we commonly see in Kenya. The next time you identify a patient with these clinical features, consider CF in your differential diagnoses. We can now perform sweat conductivity testing in Nairobi, a functional test for CF. Additionally, there is an access program for modulator therapy in Kenya. The hope is for a cure - which is this year’s conference theme. Finally, CF is also classified as an inborn error of immunity. #IEISynergy. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Marangu if interested in this important work.
