Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Supporters,

Welcome to the Summer 2026 edition of Mariposa, dedicated to World Pulmonary Hypertension Day!

This year, our World PH Day campaign focused on the theme “Hope in Every Trial,” highlighting the importance of clinical research and the hope that new treatments bring to people living with pulmonary hypertension.

Throughout May, we ran an extensive social media campaign combining educational materials with the voices and experiences of patients from around the world. The campaign included 19 patient testimonials and more than 20 infographics covering pulmonary hypertension, clinical trials, treatment progress, innovation and the importance of patient involvement in research. More than 45 PH organisations worldwide took part by sharing, translating, and adapting the materials for their own communities.

The response was impressive. Across Facebook and Instagram, the campaign reached 4.5 million people, while content interactions increased by 190% compared with our 2025 World PH Day campaign. These results show that even a complex topic such as clinical trials can generate strong engagement when it is communicated in an understandable and patient-centred way.

Clinical trials were also the focus of our World PH Day webinar, “Clinical Trials in Focus – Hope in Every Trial: Two Perspectives – One Goal.” Professor Ardeshir Ghofrani presented the academic perspective, while Dr. Michelle Ghofrani from Liquidia Corporation explained how the pharmaceutical industry approaches the development of new medicines. Together, they gave us a fascinating insight into the long journey from scientific discovery to an approved treatment – and reminded us how important collaboration between researchers, industry and patients is in developing tomorrow’s therapies.

But, as always, World PH Day is really brought to life by the activities of our member associations.

Once again, they showed remarkable creativity and commitment. In Ukraine, patients explored equine-assisted therapy at the Kyiv Hippodrome, learning how interaction with horses can support emotional and psychological rehabilitation. In Slovakia, patients celebrated the 10th anniversary of their traditional symbolic mountain march, this year joined by friends from the Czech PH community.

In Bulgaria, a successful fundraising initiative resulted in six oxygen concentrators being made available to patients. Croatia found a very different way to communicate our message with The Scarf That Breathes – a specially designed blue scarf symbolising breath, life, hope and solidarity with the PH community.

And sometimes, a small initiative can make a very strong impression. In Poland, Milenka, the daughter of a PH patient, decided to organise an educational event at her school, teaching other children about PH, empathy and understanding. These are only a few examples. Throughout this edition of Mariposa, you will find many more activities – from educational meetings and awareness walks to media campaigns, sporting events and iconic buildings illuminated in support of the PH community.

What always impresses me about World PH Day is the enormous variety of ideas, but also the common purpose behind them. Whether an activity reaches a classroom, a city, or millions of people through social media, every effort helps make pulmonary hypertension more visible. This year’s campaign also reminded us that patients are not only participants in research – they are partners in innovation, and their experiences and perspectives are essential in shaping the future of PH care.

Above all, this year’s World PH Day reminded us that hope grows when we share our stories, listen to one another and work together towards a future where every person living with PH has access to better treatments and a better quality of life.

I would like to thank all our member associations, volunteers and everyone else who contributed to World PH Day 2026. A special thank you also goes to our industry partners for their continued support of PHAEUROPE & Global and our member associations.

I hope you enjoy this special World PH Day edition of Mariposa!

Mariposa Journal – 2026 Summer N.35

Warm regards,
Zdenka Bradac
President of PHAEUROPE & Global