Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Supporters,

Welcome to the summer edition of our magazine, Mariposa! This issue is dedicated to World PH Day and the incredible events organized by our members and other associations globally. This event, started by our Spanish association ANHP twelve years ago and since 2013 carried on by PHA Europe, emphasizes the urgency of raising awareness about pulmonary hypertension. Held annually around May 5th, it unites organizations, healthcare professionals, patients, and their families worldwide to spotlight the challenges faced by the PH community.

Our World PH Day project continues to serve three main objectives. First, raising awareness about pulmonary hypertension through various campaigns, educational events, and media coverage helps dispel misconceptions and encourages early diagnosis. Second, building a global support network by bringing together patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups fosters a sense of community and empowers those affected by PH to share their stories and find support. Third, advocating for improved care by leveraging the visibility of World PH Day to push for better healthcare policies, increased research funding, and improved access to treatments.

Once again, our members have impressed us with their creativity. They arranged the illumination of buildings in blue to raise awareness, organized numerous sports events showcasing our WPHD logo, and held activities that allowed healthy individuals to experience the challenges of living with PH. Please take the time to read about all the events that took place, even in countries facing difficult times.

Additionally, WPHD was successfully promoted on all our social media channels. By using professional visuals shared globally, we reached a vast audience. We collaborated closely with the American Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) to develop a campaign that could reach a global audience. Please check the section dedicated to social media to learn more about our successful digital campaign.

World PH Day was also marked by associations worldwide, not just those related to PHA Europe. The USA, Canada, Nigeria and Peru accepted our invitation to submit articles about their celebrations. Additionally, it is particularly heartening to read the reports from our new associated members in Argentina, who contributed significantly to the global awareness efforts.

PHA Europe’s World PH Day project stands as a beacon of hope for all of those living with pulmonary hypertension. Through dedication to raising awareness, building support networks, and advocating for better care, PHA Europe has made significant strides in bringing this often misunderstood disease into the spotlight. Our efforts pave the way for a brighter future for those affected by PH, fostering understanding and support, and enabling a better quality of life.

A big thank you to all members, patients, family members, carers, and friends who contributed to making this WPHD a great success. Special thanks go out to our industry partners who continue to support our work. Our mission remains clear: to raise as much awareness as possible to ensure early diagnosis, improve quality of life, and extend the lifespan of those with pulmonary hypertension.

The journal is available from here: PHAE – Mariposa Journal (2024 Summer N.32)

Hall Skaara
Project Manager

CONTENTS