MECFA and KIFDER Awarded Vertex Circle of Care Grant to Expand Transition Support for Young Adults Living with Cystic Fibrosis in Türkiye

Izmir, Türkiye – June 7, 2026 – The Middle East Cystic Fibrosis Association (MECFA) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a Vertex Circle of Care Grant to launch the MENA CF Adulting & Transition Lab – Türkiye Pilot, a collaborative initiative designed to strengthen transition support for adolescents and young adults living with cystic fibrosis (CF).

The project is being implemented in partnership with Marmara University Selim Çöremen Cystic Fibrosis Center, Türkiye's largest CF center, and KIFDER (Cystic Fibrosis Patient and Family Association of Türkiye), the country's leading CF patient organization.

The program builds upon the highly successful CF S.O.B.E. (Responsibility, Independence, Self-Care, Education) transition program, which was developed and implemented by Marmara University and KIFDER and has demonstrated significant improvements in patient knowledge, self-confidence, and disease management skills. Rather than creating a new program, the Circle of Care grant will enable the partners to expand this proven model to reach more young people with cystic fibrosis, broaden the age range of participants, strengthen peer support, and formally evaluate outcomes to support future expansion across the MECFA region.

"This award represents an important investment in the future of young people living with cystic fibrosis," said Christine Noke, President and CEO of MECFA. "Transition from pediatric to adult care is one of the most challenging periods in the life of a person with CF. Thanks to the support of Vertex through its Circle of Care program, we can build upon an already successful model developed by Marmara University and KIFDER and ensure that even more young adults receive the education, confidence, and support they need to manage their health and live independent lives."

Professor Bülent Karadağ, Director of the Marmara University Selim Çöremen Cystic Fibrosis Center and Vice President of MECFA, emphasized the importance of expanding a program that has already demonstrated measurable success.

"Our team has spent several years adapting and implementing a structured transition program for young people with cystic fibrosis in Türkiye. We have seen firsthand how education and patient empowerment improve confidence and self-management. The Vertex Circle of Care Grant allows us to take the next step by expanding this work, reaching more families, and creating a model that can be shared with other countries."

As the patient and family partner, KIFDER will play a central role in engaging young people and caregivers throughout the project. Through workshops, peer engagement, and patient feedback, KIFDER will help ensure that every resource remains practical, relevant, and designed around the real needs of families living with cystic fibrosis.

"Our families have always been at the heart of this program," said İlknur Görgün, President of KIFDER. "This project is about giving young people the confidence to take responsibility for their own care while ensuring families continue to feel supported throughout that journey."

Over the next twelve months, the partners will work together to expand educational resources, deliver patient and family workshops, strengthen peer mentoring opportunities, and evaluate the program's impact on transition readiness and patient confidence. The project will also generate practical tools and implementation guidance that can be adapted by other cystic fibrosis programs throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and neighboring regions.

The initiative reflects MECFA's commitment to improving the quality of cystic fibrosis care by supporting sustainable programs that strengthen health systems, empower patients, and promote collaboration across the region.

MECFA extends its sincere appreciation to Vertex Pharmaceuticals for supporting this important work through the Vertex Circle of Care Grant Program, which invests in innovative community initiatives that improve care and quality of life for people living with serious diseases.

---

About MECFA

The Middle East Cystic Fibrosis Association (MECFA) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living with cystic fibrosis across the Middle East, North Africa, and neighboring regions. MECFA works with healthcare professionals, patient organizations, governments, and international partners to improve diagnosis, access to treatment, quality improvement, education, and patient support. Learn more at [www.mecfa.org](http://www.mecfa.org).

About Marmara University Selim Çöremen Cystic Fibrosis Center

The Marmara University Selim Çöremen Cystic Fibrosis Center is Türkiye's largest cystic fibrosis center and an international leader in quality improvement, transition care, and multidisciplinary CF management. The center has pioneered several innovative programs that have advanced CF care both nationally and internationally.

About KIFDER

The Cystic Fibrosis Patient and Family Association of Türkiye (KIFDER) is Türkiye's national patient organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by cystic fibrosis through advocacy, education, awareness, and patient support.

Media Contact

Christine Noke

President & CEO

Middle East Cystic Fibrosis Association (MECFA)

Email: [info@mecfa.org](mailto:info@mecfa.org)

Website: [www.mecfa.org](http://www.mecfa.org)