Abstract

There are marked inequalities in health and life expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) across the world. Unequal outcomes in HICs are related to demographic, sociopolitical, scientific and healthcare system factors. Barriers to diagnosis, multidisciplinary CF care programmes and advanced therapies are pervasive in LMICs. In this chapter, we describe progress in our understanding of CF, the origins of inequalities in CF and the need for comprehensive strategies to improve equity in diagnosis and treatment of CF worldwide.

Cite as: McColley SA. Inequalities in cystic fibrosis. In: Sinha IP, Lee A, Katikireddi SV, et al., eds. Inequalities in Respiratory Health (ERS Monograph). Sheffield, European Respiratory Society, 2023; pp. 116–128 [https://doi.org/10.1183/2312508X.10004122].