The German federal government aims to advance research on ME/CFS and Long Covid with 500 million euros over ten years. Research Minister Dorothee Bär stresses the need for a long-term strategy. The goal is a cure by the mid-2030s.
The number of Long Covid and ME/CFS cases has risen sharply since the Corona pandemic. ME/CFS, standing for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, is the most severe form of Long Covid. Affected individuals suffer from extreme and persistent exhaustion, along with symptoms such as muscle pain, rapid heartbeat, sensitivity to light and noise, or word-finding difficulties. In severe cases, the disease leads to complete care dependency or bedriddenness.
In Germany, more than 1.5 million people are affected, as stated in a coalition key points paper available to Spiegel. In it, former Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) and CDU MP Stephan Albani describe the conditions as "one of the greatest health policy challenges of the 21st century." The federal government now plans a "National Decade against Post-Infectious Diseases" starting in 2026.
Research Minister Dorothee Bär (CSU) said: "We need a long-term strategy to better understand the causes and mechanisms of post-infectious diseases and sustainably improve the care of those affected." Around 500 million euros will be invested over ten years. For 2026, 15 million euros are earmarked in the federal budget, and 50 million euros annually from 2027 to 2036.
Spiegel quotes Lauterbach: "From 2027 to 2036, we will spend 50 million euros each year." This could position Germany as a leader in the fight against Long Covid and ME/CFS. The aim is to research diagnosis and treatment to the point where a cure is possible by the mid-2030s at the latest.