On Wednesday 12th October Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization, wrote an op-ed in the Guardian. In it, he lays clear the devastation that Long Covid is causing around the world, and sets out five key elements of a plan to drive change.
It is vital that the impact of Long Covid is recognized at the highest levels, and the World ME Alliance congratulates Dr Ghebreyesus on this stance.
However, as more research is undertaken, it is becoming clearer that a large proportion of those with Long Covid now meet the criteria for an ME/CFS diagnosis. The WHO must recognize this as efforts to find treatments and a cure continue.
The World ME Alliance has written to Dr Ghebreyesus calling on him to meet with representatives.
“It’s truly exciting to elevate our work to the international level through our allyship and leadership with the World ME Alliance,” Solve M.E. Vice President of Advocacy and Engagement, Emily Taylor, said. “Working together, we can make big impacts and we look forward to our future collaboration with the World Health Organization to address infection associated chronic illnesses.”
Dr Ghebreyesus has previously committed to reaching out to ME experts, and we hope that through collaborative efforts we can learn from ME, and ensure that progress for people with Long Covid doesn’t leave the millions already suffering with ME behind.
Read the full letter from the World ME Alliance and its 19 members, which include Solve M.E., here.
