CELEBRATING GROWTH, COLLABORATION, AND INNOVATION IN THE PH COMMUNITY

Dear Friends,

As we approach the conclusion of another extraordinary year, it’s a pleasure to reflect on the milestones and shared achievements that have brought us closer as a community. The past year has been a time of growth, innovation, and unparalleled collaboration, and this issue of Mariposa captures the essence of what makes our pulmonary hypertension (PH) community so vibrant and resilient.

One of the highlights of 2024 was the Annual PH European Conference (APHEC), held in the picturesque city of Castelldefels, Barcelona. Bringing together over 70 delegates from 41 PH associations across 37 countries, APHEC provided an incredible platform for learning, networking, and empowerment. The conference saw the election of a new board, the induction of new members (welcome to Cyprus, Kosovo, Nigeria, and the USA!), and inspiring workshops and presentations. A heartfelt thank you goes to all the speakers, who generously provided their expertise free of charge, and to the sponsors, whose support made this event possible. This issue delves into APHEC’s rich program, including sessions on advocacy, health technology assessment, and the future of PH treatments.

This year’s World Pulmonary Hypertension Day (WPHD) once again demonstrated the power of a united global community. PHA Europe was proud to lead the flagship WPHD event in collaboration with PHA US, showcasing the strength of our shared mission to raise awareness and advocate for better outcomes for PH patients. With contributions and events spanning continents, WPHD reinforced its role
as a true global event that connects and inspires all corners of the PH community.

Another significant achievement was PHA Europe’s participation in the 7th World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension (WSPH), held in Barcelona, Spain. The WSPH brought together global experts to advance the understanding and care of pulmonary hypertension. PHA Europe was honored to have a representative in one of the task forces, contributing to the discussions that culminated in the publication of proceedings in the European Heart Journal. These proceedings, which cover groundbreaking insights into PH diagnosis, treatment, and care, are an invaluable resource for clinicians, researchers, and advocates worldwide.

A further milestone was the official opening of the Bel Air Center, a groundbreaking virtual platform designed to educate and connect PH patients, caregivers, and stakeholders. The presentation library now boasts over 60 video presentations, with many subtitled in multiple languages and dubbed into several languages, including Croatian, French, German, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish, to improve accessibility. While most presentations are in English, some are available in other original languages to better serve a diverse audience. We will continue expanding this library with content in numerous languages, making it a vital resource for the global PH community.
This year also featured a thought-provoking webinar by Prof. Ardeschir Ghofrani, who shared groundbreaking insights into current and emerging PH treatments. His expertise has been a cornerstone of our educational efforts, and this webinar, alongside his contributions to APHEC, reinforces the importance of innovation and personalized care in PH management.

Finally, it’s heartening to witness the expanding reach of Mariposa itself. PHA Europe has grown to include members from all over the world, spanning Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Additional associations, like those in Peru and Canada, contributed to the summer edition of Mariposa, sharing articles and photos from their vibrant WPHD events. These stories, along with those from our member associations, reflect the diverse experiences, innovative initiatives, and collective dedication of the global PH community.

As you turn the pages of this issue, I hope you feel the energy, dedication, and compassion that define the PH community. Thank you to our members, partners, and supporters for making 2024 a year to remember. Together, let’s continue to raise awareness, drive progress, and create a brighter future for all those affected by pulmonary hypertension.

The journal is available from here: Mariposa Journal – 2024 Winter N.33

Warm regards,
Hall Skaara
Project Manager

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