German Government Pledges Support for ME/CFS and Long COVID Sufferers
The new German government, a traffic light coalition of SPD, Greens, and FDP, has made a significant step towards improving the lives of ME/CFS and Long COVID sufferers. In its coalition agreement, it becomes the first to explicitly mention these conditions, pledging support and action.
DG.ME/CFS and Long COVID Germany, along with 13 patient organizations, had urged the incoming government to prioritize ME/CFS and Post-COVID Syndrome. Their efforts have paid off, with the coalition agreement committing to continued support and strengthening care and research for these conditions.
The agreement mentions ME/CFS, Long/Post-COVID, and PostVac at two key points: in the working group on health and care, and in the working group on education, research, and innovation. This dual focus signals a comprehensive approach to tackling these complex health issues. DG.ME/CFS, the leading organization for ME/CFS sufferers in Germany, welcomes this inclusion and looks forward to working with the government to improve the situation for all affected individuals in the next legislative period, which is set to last until 2029.
The coalition agreement's commitment to ME/CFS and Long COVID sufferers is a promising start to the 21st Bundestag's legislative period. With continued dialogue and collaboration between the government, patient organizations, and researchers, there is hope for meaningful progress in understanding and supporting these conditions.
