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A. Draft resolution
(open)
Report | Doc. 16088 | 08 January 2025
“Long Covid” and access to the right to health
Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development
Summary
The report highlights the socio-economic impact of “long Covid”, a chronic disease that persists for at least three months after infection with Covid-19. Characterised by a variety of symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, “brain fog” and neurological disorders, this condition, which affects millions of people worldwide, compromises the quality of life and professional abilities of those who suffer from it.
To date, its definition remains unclear and access to healthcare is limited. Patients, often faced with inadequate care and stigma, struggle to obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Encouraging States to adopt a human rights-based approach in the fight against “long Covid”, the report calls for coordinated public policies, sufficient funding for biomedical research to establish a definition and effective treatment, and recognition of “long Covid” as a disability. Raising public awareness, training healthcare professionals, and setting up trans-disciplinary centres are essential to meet the medical, social and economic needs of those affected and to guarantee their fundamental rights.
A. Draft resolution 
(open)1. The Parliamentary Assembly
notes that “long Covid”, characterised by the continuation of symptoms
or the development of new symptoms three months after the initial
infection with SARS-CoV-2 (which caused the Covid-19 pandemic) and
the persistence of these symptoms for at least two months without
any other explanation, affects a large and growing number of people
throughout Europe and the world, and has considerable impacts on
public health, the economy and the quality of life of those affected.
2. This disease, which manifests itself through a variety of
symptoms such as chronic fatigue, neurological disorders and other
physical and mental complications, can in some cases be comparable
to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. It causes
major physical and mental challenges, affects social and professional
relationships, and leads to increased psychological distress. Patients
are often confronted with a limited understanding of their condition
by the medical community and those around them, making their experience
even more difficult.
3. The Assembly expresses its concern about the socio-economic
impact of this disease which can be massively disabling for millions
of people and can manifest itself with visible or invisible disabilities.
With policy makers and the healthcare sector focused initially on
containing, and then preventing a recurrence of the Covid-19 pandemic
and today on other emerging health issues, the millions of patients
with “long Covid” have become a huge blind spot.
4. The Assembly regrets that, to date, there is no single, consensual
definition of “long Covid”, although most countries broadly adhere
to international guidelines. A clearer and more disaggregated definition
of “long Covid” could help to improve clinical management and to
better target policies.
5. The Assembly also regrets that no solution has yet been identified
to ensure patients' recovery and cure, as research is still in its
infancy to understand the causes and consequences of the disease.
6. The Assembly is concerned about the limited access to healthcare
for people with “long Covid”, resulting from insufficient investment
in biomedical research and weakened healthcare systems. It points
out that Article 11 of the European Social Charter (ETS No. 35 and ETS No. 163) enshrines the right to protection of health.
7. The Assembly refers to its Resolution 2373 (2021) “Discrimination against
persons dealing with chronic and long-term illnesses” in which it urges member States of the Council of Europe
“to strengthen capacities for screening and prevention with respect
to chronic and long-term illnesses and to adopt a holistic approach, which
is regularly reviewed and adjusted and involves all sectors of the
administration to promote the well-being of individuals, fight against
inequalities and take vulnerabilities into consideration. The authorities
must fight against diagnostic delays so that, after a certain period,
which should not be longer than one year, each patient is able to
exercise their rights again without hindrance”.
8. Recognising the need to adopt a human rights-based approach
in the fight against “long Covid”, the Assembly calls on Council
of Europe member States to:
8.1. ensure
sufficient funding for biomedical research so that a common definition
and terminology are established, and effective treatments are available
to ensure an adapted, safe and sustained recovery that reduces long-term
disability;
8.2. adopt public policies co-ordinated at national level and
defined in collaboration with people suffering from “long Covid”
to meet their medical, social and professional needs;
8.3. set up transdisciplinary centres of expertise for diagnosis,
treatment and prevention in order to facilitate access to care for
people suffering from “long Covid”;
8.4. work with the health sector to disseminate information
and provide specific training for medical staff on “long Covid”;
8.5. run, in partnership with civil society, public awareness
campaign on “long Covid”, with a view to ensuring an understanding
of the disease which will in turn protect the possibility for those
affected by it to enjoy as normal a life as they can, free from
stigmatisation and with their rights and freedoms fully respected
and facilitated;
8.6. recognise that “long Covid” should fall within the scope
of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
in order to allow access to social security, disability benefits
and compensatory aids;
8.7. ensure equitable access to healthcare for people suffering
from “long Covid”, in particular children and young people, and
for the States Parties to the Convention for the protection of Human
Rights and Dignity of the Human Being with regard to the Application
of Biology and Medicine (ETS No. 164, Oviedo Convention) to take
the necessary measures to give effect to the provisions of its Article 3;
8.8. promote flexible policies for patients with “long Covid”,
both in the workplace and in educational institutions, to ensure
that they are able to continue their work or education under appropriate
conditions;
8.9. encourage international co-operation in the fight against
this disease.
9. Finally, the Assembly also reiterates its strong encouragement
to the Council of Europe member States which have not yet ratified
the revised European Social Charter to do so as soon as possible.
B. Explanatory memorandum by Ms Carmen Leyte, rapporteur
(open)1. Introduction
1. The Covid-19 pandemic has so
far caused the death of around 7 million people and has had unprecedented human
and financial costs. While for many, Covid-19 is nothing more than
a bad memory, for at least 22 million people in Europe, it remains
a daily nightmare. Ever since they were infected with SARS-CoV2,
these people have been suffering from debilitating symptoms that
doctors are largely powerless to deal with. They are suffering from
“long Covid”, a chronic disease whose causes are undeniably biological,
but the definition of which is still vague and whose mechanisms
are not well understood. The lives of these chronically ill people
are destroyed: the disease affects their family and social lives,
often they are no longer able to work, and their access to adequate
support can be limited due to the lack of recognition of the disease.
and has had unprecedented human
and financial costs. While for many, Covid-19 is nothing more than
a bad memory, for at least 22 million people in Europe, it remains
a daily nightmare. Ever since they were infected with SARS-CoV2,
these people have been suffering from debilitating symptoms that
doctors are largely powerless to deal with. They are suffering from
“long Covid”, a chronic disease whose causes are undeniably biological,
but the definition of which is still vague and whose mechanisms
are not well understood. The lives of these chronically ill people
are destroyed: the disease affects their family and social lives,
often they are no longer able to work, and their access to adequate
support can be limited due to the lack of recognition of the disease.2. As early as 2022, the Director-General of the World Health
Organization (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned of the
devastating effects of “long Covid” on the lives and livelihoods
of tens of millions of people. In
2023, WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge,
released a public statement in which he said that “‘long Covid’
remains a glaring blind spot in our knowledge, that urgently needs
to be filled”. Unfortunately, even today, the definition of “long
Covid” is not clear, and those affected suffer and remain helpless.
In
2023, WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge,
released a public statement in which he said that “‘long Covid’
remains a glaring blind spot in our knowledge, that urgently needs
to be filled”. Unfortunately, even today, the definition of “long
Covid” is not clear, and those affected suffer and remain helpless.3. On 9 September 2021, the Committee on Social Affairs, Health
and Sustainable Development held a public hearing with the participation
of two former French members of the committee, Ms Martine Wonner (ALDE)
and Ms Laurence Trastour-Isnart (EPP/CD); Mr Risto O. Roine, Professor
of Neurology, Turku University Hospital & Chair of the Board,
Finnish Brain Council, and Mr Daniel Altmann, Professor of Immunology,
Imperial College London. The minutes of the hearing were declassified.
4. On 2 December 2021, a motion for a resolution on “Long Covid”
and access to the right to health" was tabled by my former colleague
Ms Trastour-Isnart with the support of several members of our Assembly. It was referred to the Committee
on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development for report
and Ms Romilda Zarb (Malta, SOC), was appointed rapporteur in December
2022. I took over her work on 25 March 2024.
It was referred to the Committee
on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development for report
and Ms Romilda Zarb (Malta, SOC), was appointed rapporteur in December
2022. I took over her work on 25 March 2024.5. This report takes stock of advances in research and the existing
needs of patients. It is based on research and expert hearings held
in Lisbon on 13 September 2024: Mr Juan Soriano, Epidemiologist, Department
of Pneumology, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa – UAM, Madrid,
and Ms Chantal Britt, Long Covid Europe (European network of patient
organisations affected by “long Covid”). The minutes of these hearings
were declassified.
2. What is “long Covid”? – The definition remains unclear
6. On 7 December 2022, WHO adopted
the following definition of “long Covid”: the continuation or development
of new symptoms three months after the initial Sars-CoV-2 infection,
with these symptoms lasting for at least two months with no other
explanation.
7. In its factsheet, WHO provides a more comprehensive
definition of the syndrome. According to this definition, post Covid-19
condition occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed
Sars-CoV-2 infection, usually 3 months from the onset of Covid-19
with symptoms that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained
by an alternative diagnosis. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness
of breath, cognitive dysfunction, but also others, which generally
have an impact on everyday functioning. Symptoms may be new onset,
following initial recovery from an acute Covid-19 episode, or persist
from the initial illness. Symptoms may also fluctuate or relapse
over time. WHO also points out that a separate definition may be
more relevant for children. Beside post Covid-19 condition, other
terms are also used, such as “long Covid”, chronic Covid-19 syndrome
and post-acute sequelae of Covid-19; however, there are differences.
WHO provides a more comprehensive
definition of the syndrome. According to this definition, post Covid-19
condition occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed
Sars-CoV-2 infection, usually 3 months from the onset of Covid-19
with symptoms that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained
by an alternative diagnosis. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness
of breath, cognitive dysfunction, but also others, which generally
have an impact on everyday functioning. Symptoms may be new onset,
following initial recovery from an acute Covid-19 episode, or persist
from the initial illness. Symptoms may also fluctuate or relapse
over time. WHO also points out that a separate definition may be
more relevant for children. Beside post Covid-19 condition, other
terms are also used, such as “long Covid”, chronic Covid-19 syndrome
and post-acute sequelae of Covid-19; however, there are differences.8. The clinical picture of “long Covid” is still vague. It has
nevertheless been recognised in the US, Europe and other countries
as a chronic disease. It is often debilitating, with characteristics
common to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. It
often results in depression and fatigue, in addition to more than 200
other identified symptoms.
9. The British newspaper The Guardian has
published a series of articles dedicated to “long Covid”. In England
and Scotland alone, about 2 million people are reported to be suffering
from “long Covid”. The illness remained largely unrecognised
at the beginning because of the multiplicity of its symptoms. Even if
some symptoms can be spotted with MRI scans, there is for the time-being
no test for diagnosing “long Covid”. It is a “catch-all term” used
to describe the condition of people recovering from the coronavirus. Researchers
have been able to empirically list some observations: older people
appear to have a slightly higher risk; people who were hospitalised
with Covid-19 have a higher probability of developing the syndrome;
women are more exposed; being vaccinated and/or treated (for instance
with the antiviral medication Paxlovid)
may reduce risks. They have also discovered that patients suffering
from certain comorbidities are more likely to experience “long Covid”
than others, for the following reasons among others: presence of
RNA viruses; type 2 diabetes; Epstein-Barr virus; auto-antibodies and hypermobility. Though some Australian researchers have
recently suggested that the term “long Covid” should be “withdrawn”,
as it might lead to hypervigilance, other experts have pointed out
that it is still important to raise awareness of the situation considering
the large number of people affected.
The illness remained largely unrecognised
at the beginning because of the multiplicity of its symptoms. Even if
some symptoms can be spotted with MRI scans, there is for the time-being
no test for diagnosing “long Covid”. It is a “catch-all term” used
to describe the condition of people recovering from the coronavirus. Researchers
have been able to empirically list some observations: older people
appear to have a slightly higher risk; people who were hospitalised
with Covid-19 have a higher probability of developing the syndrome;
women are more exposed; being vaccinated and/or treated (for instance
with the antiviral medication Paxlovid)
may reduce risks. They have also discovered that patients suffering
from certain comorbidities are more likely to experience “long Covid”
than others, for the following reasons among others: presence of
RNA viruses; type 2 diabetes; Epstein-Barr virus; auto-antibodies and hypermobility. Though some Australian researchers have
recently suggested that the term “long Covid” should be “withdrawn”,
as it might lead to hypervigilance, other experts have pointed out
that it is still important to raise awareness of the situation considering
the large number of people affected. 10. According to CovidTracker, nearly 700 million people have contracted
Covid-19 and approximately 7 million people have died from it (although
these are just the official figures of reported deaths; unofficial estimates
stand at over 20 million deaths so far). WHO has assessed that 10%
to 20% of the survivors have been left with long-term symptoms.
This would mean that more than 70 million people worldwide suffer
from “long covid”. In addition, it cannot be excluded that some
initially asymptomatic patients are experiencing symptoms of “long
Covid” after an infection.
nearly 700 million people have contracted
Covid-19 and approximately 7 million people have died from it (although
these are just the official figures of reported deaths; unofficial estimates
stand at over 20 million deaths so far). WHO has assessed that 10%
to 20% of the survivors have been left with long-term symptoms.
This would mean that more than 70 million people worldwide suffer
from “long covid”. In addition, it cannot be excluded that some
initially asymptomatic patients are experiencing symptoms of “long
Covid” after an infection.11. Mr Juan Soriano, who has been working on the definition of
“long Covid” within a WHO working group, presented the results of
his work to the commission. Taking the example of HIV, for which
research has taken several decades, he reminded us the amount of
time and resources research needs to define the contours of a disease
in order to establish an effective treatment.
12. Thus, to this day, the definition of “long Covid” remains
unclear. There is still no threshold or biomarker to define what
is meant by this disease. Despite thousands of academic articles
on the subject, many clinicians still do not know how to assess
and treat people suffering from a post-Covid-19 state. The lack
of consensus on a definition and even a name (for example, in France
the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) uses the term “prolonged symptoms
following Covid-19”) partly reflects the confusion around the underlying
pathological processes and the natural history of the disease.
3. Understanding the effects of the “long Covid” – Various symptoms leading to isolation
13. More than 200 distinct symptoms
have been reported by people who suffer from “long Covid”. Many aspects
of patients' daily lives are affected, with physical, mental and
social repercussions. It appears that 60% of patients experience
not only fatigue, but also “brain fog”, an inability to multi-task,
anxiety and depression, while 35% report shortness of breath . This chronic fatigue often limits
the ability to carry out simple tasks, necessitates frequent breaks
and therefore affects productivity. In addition, patients have reduced
physical capacity, making it difficult to exercise or even travel
on a daily basis. Cognitive problems affect memory, concentration
and the ability to process information, making it difficult to perform
intellectual work or tasks requiring sustained attention. Lastly,
a common symptom for patients suffering from “long Covid” is disruption of
the immune system. It has been confirmed that the coronavirus can
persist in tissues at the level of genetic material, so it can trigger
a chain of symptoms throughout the body.
. This chronic fatigue often limits
the ability to carry out simple tasks, necessitates frequent breaks
and therefore affects productivity. In addition, patients have reduced
physical capacity, making it difficult to exercise or even travel
on a daily basis. Cognitive problems affect memory, concentration
and the ability to process information, making it difficult to perform
intellectual work or tasks requiring sustained attention. Lastly,
a common symptom for patients suffering from “long Covid” is disruption of
the immune system. It has been confirmed that the coronavirus can
persist in tissues at the level of genetic material, so it can trigger
a chain of symptoms throughout the body.14. These physical and mental limitations often lead to social
isolation, as patients can no longer take part in the usual social
activities or work, which increases feelings of loneliness and frustration.
The result is often a deterioration in mental health. Patients often
suffer from anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress, due to
the uncertainty surrounding their recovery and the loss of their
former quality of life.
15. “Long Covid” is a disease that profoundly affects the quality
of life of those affected. It causes major physical and mental challenges,
affects on social and professional relationships, and leads to increased psychological
distress. Faced with these symptoms, and in the absence of recognition,
patients often find that the medical community and those around
them have little understanding of their condition, which makes their experience
even more difficult.
16. During the public hearing in September 2024, Ms Britt, who
herself suffers from “long Covid”, emphasised the extent to which
patients are powerless and desperate in the face of the non-recognition
of their disease and the medical uncertainty. “A large proportion
of healthcare staff do not have sufficient skills or knowledge when
it comes to “long Covid”. Very often, diagnoses are wrong and prescriptions
are therefore also erroneous, resulting in ineffective treatments
that only make symptoms worse. This neglect has an impact on patients'
lives (job loss, inability to go to school, social isolation, lack
of prospects)”. She pointed out that only 1% of doctors treat “long
Covid, and that in the absence of transdisciplinary centres of expertise
to establish an accurate diagnosis, patients are passed from one
specialist to another without any cure.
17. For the time being, there is no solution to ensure patients’
recovery and cure, as research is still in its infancy to understand
the causes and consequences of “long Covid”. There is not enough
data available to know whether the symptoms encountered will be
permanent or not, as the national authorities have only collected
data over four years. It could be that there will be waves of people
becoming disabled – with visible or invisible disabilities. The
“long Covid” could be an “event with massive disabling consequences”
that will require strong political responses.
4. Limited access to healthcare – Insufficient investment in scientific research and weakened healthcare systems
18. In 2021, the NIH, the US National
Institutes of Health, decided to invest 1 billion dollars to study
“long Covid” and its mechanisms. The NIH then launched the RECOVER
Initiative , the aim of which is to gain a better
understanding of the disease and improve the recovery of patients
suffering from it. The European Union has committed €50 million,
and EuCare has been set up, although it does
not yet cover all its member States.
, the aim of which is to gain a better
understanding of the disease and improve the recovery of patients
suffering from it. The European Union has committed €50 million,
and EuCare has been set up, although it does
not yet cover all its member States.19. A research project carried out in Hong Kong has demonstrated
the role of vaccination in protecting against “long Covid”. Vaccination
against Covid-19 proved to be effective in reducing the risk of
health consequences.
20. WHO is committed to learning more about the impact of “long
Covid” and exploring means to improve the lives of persons affected
by the syndrome in the short, medium and long-term. In September
2022, WHO/Europe partnered with the NGO Long Covid Europe to develop
3 goals – the 3 Rs: Recognition, Research and Rehabilitation.
They called upon governments and health authorities to focus attention
on post Covid-19 condition (“long Covid”) and those affected by
it through greater: 1. recognition and knowledge sharing, where all
services are adequately equipped, and no patient is left alone or
having to struggle to navigate a system that is not prepared, or
not capable of, recognising this debilitating condition; 2. research
and reporting through data gathering and reporting of cases, and
well-co-ordinated research, with full participation of patients
needed to advance understanding of the prevalence, causes and costs
of “long Covid”; and 3. rehabilitation which is based on evidence
and effectiveness, and is safe for both patients and carers.
Recognition, Research and Rehabilitation.
They called upon governments and health authorities to focus attention
on post Covid-19 condition (“long Covid”) and those affected by
it through greater: 1. recognition and knowledge sharing, where all
services are adequately equipped, and no patient is left alone or
having to struggle to navigate a system that is not prepared, or
not capable of, recognising this debilitating condition; 2. research
and reporting through data gathering and reporting of cases, and
well-co-ordinated research, with full participation of patients
needed to advance understanding of the prevalence, causes and costs
of “long Covid”; and 3. rehabilitation which is based on evidence
and effectiveness, and is safe for both patients and carers.21. Epidemiological studies have shown that certain demographic
groups (such as women aged between 35 and 50 or socio-economically
disadvantaged people), people suffering from particular pathologies
(such as asthma, chronic lung disease, heart failure or chronic
kidney disease), people who have suffered from a more serious acute
illness, people with a high BMI and unvaccinated people are at greater
risk of suffering from “long Covid” and are more likely to present
serious symptoms. Particular attention must therefore be paid to vulnerable
people, especially children.
22. Indeed, although children and young people were initially
less affected by Sars-CoV-2, an analysis of medical records showed
that children under the age of five, suffering from certain pathologies,
as well as those who had had a serious infection, were at risk of
suffering from “long Covid”. Although it appears that the prevalence
of the post-Covid-19 condition is lower than in adults, for the time being, there is insufficient information
to demonstrate that “long Covid” cannot have permanent effects on
children. Some children have not recovered after more than two years.
The increase in cases of Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome
(PIMS) in children is also linked to SARS-CoV-2
infection. Some children have been unable to return to school for
the past two years due to extreme fatigue or “brain fog”.
Although it appears that the prevalence
of the post-Covid-19 condition is lower than in adults, for the time being, there is insufficient information
to demonstrate that “long Covid” cannot have permanent effects on
children. Some children have not recovered after more than two years.
The increase in cases of Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome
(PIMS) in children is also linked to SARS-CoV-2
infection. Some children have been unable to return to school for
the past two years due to extreme fatigue or “brain fog”. 23. Numerous studies have shown that women are more likely to
develop prolonged symptoms after infection with Covid-19, and these
symptoms can persist for several months. Women are therefore disproportionately
affected by “long Covid” and this is combined with the frequent
minimisation of their symptoms when they say they suffer from “long
Covid”. They frequently face scepticism from the medical profession,
a phenomenon which is sometimes referred to as “medical misogyny”
and is unfortunately not new. The surge of “long Covid” could be
an opportunity to explore the gender-parsed consequences of previous pandemics
such as Polio, Ebola, SARS pandemics and to fill gaps in research
about conditions that only affect women such as endometriosis.
24. Generally, the effects on vulnerable people are difficult
to measure, not least because of the lack of statistics. Socio-economic
factors play a role, as this category of the population does not
have the same access to healthcare as others. For this reason, it
is necessary to review the action taken by the public authorities, to ensure
that no one is left behind and that appropriate attention and response
are given to all individuals and groups of patients.
25. Research into “long Covid” is progressing, but still faces
major challenges, particularly in terms of diagnosis and specific
treatments. The accumulation of long-term data and progress in understanding
the mechanisms of this disease should make it possible to gradually
meet patients' needs.
26. In addition to the lack of effective treatment, access to
care remains a problem, as health systems have been so weakened.
The negative impact of the pandemic on healthcare systems has been
dramatic, and they have not yet fully recovered. They do not therefore
always have sufficient capacity to address “long Covid” after having
been so severely affected by the different waves of variants. Healthcare
systems are not yet sufficiently equipped to follow the trajectory
of “long Covid” over time.
27. To date, not all countries have centres specialising in “long
Covid” with transdisciplinary skills that provide patients with
a one-stop shop. Only 22 countries of the Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD) have set up such specialised
clinics. However, as demand exceeds supply, waiting times are long
and not all patients have access to them.
5. Adopting a human rights-based approach in the fight against “long Covid”
28. The SARS-CoV-2 infection and
the “long Covid” phenomenon represent an unprecedented challenge for
national authorities in protecting human rights in a health crisis
– a challenge that requires continuous, rapid and co-ordinated action.
Despite the progress that has been made, there are still many challenges
that need to be met, always from the point of view of a human rights-based
approach.
29. To begin with, it seems vital that access to care should be
guaranteed, and to achieve this, the disease must be recognised.
This requires a common definition and appropriate treatments, as
well as awareness-raising campaigns to ensure that as many people
as possible are informed about the disease and to reduce stigma.
Multidisciplinary centres should be set up in all member States,
with sufficient capacity to monitor patients.
30. Furthermore, given that “long Covid” could have disabling
consequences, it should be recognised as a disability. In this respect,
it is necessary to continually keep under consideration and modernise
the way in which society views people with disabilities, and in
particular people with “invisible” disabilities. In this context, I
would like to refer to the 2021 report of my former colleague, Ms Wonner,
on “Discrimination against persons dealing with chronic and long-term
illnesses”. I believe that “long Covid” should
fall within the scope of the United Nations Convention on the Rights
of Persons with Disabilities and involve obligations on the part
of the States Parties to this convention. On this point, I would
also like to refer to the European Convention for the protection
of human rights and dignity of the human being with regard to the
application of biology and medicine (ETS No. 164, Oviedo Convention)
and the principle of equitable access to health care (article 3).
I believe that “long Covid” should
fall within the scope of the United Nations Convention on the Rights
of Persons with Disabilities and involve obligations on the part
of the States Parties to this convention. On this point, I would
also like to refer to the European Convention for the protection
of human rights and dignity of the human being with regard to the
application of biology and medicine (ETS No. 164, Oviedo Convention)
and the principle of equitable access to health care (article 3).31. “Long Covid” may drastically reduce people’s ability to work
and it is necessary to acknowledge that a large number of persons
are still suffering from the effects of Covid with an on-going effect
on their socio-economic status and rights. In his Op-ed for The Guardian, Greg Frey highlighted the weight
of stress, anxiety and depression even before the pandemic, and
called for a debate to be initiated on the four-day work week, in
part to take into consideration the condition of the people suffering
from “long Covid”. This could be one approach to ensuring that people
suffering from “long Covid” can continue to work according to an appropriate
work schedule.
Greg Frey highlighted the weight
of stress, anxiety and depression even before the pandemic, and
called for a debate to be initiated on the four-day work week, in
part to take into consideration the condition of the people suffering
from “long Covid”. This could be one approach to ensuring that people
suffering from “long Covid” can continue to work according to an appropriate
work schedule.32. Beyond the medical expenses, “long Covid” has a significant
cost. Even excluding the direct costs of healthcare, “long Covid”
is likely costing OECD countries between US$864 billion and US$1.04
trillion per year due to reductions in quality of life and work
force, or around 1% of their GDP. “Long
Covid” may be reducing the workforce by nearly 3 million workers
across OECD countries, amounting to an economic cost of at least US$141
billion from lost wages alone. Governments therefore have a duty
to invest in research now to reduce these economic effects in the
long run.
or around 1% of their GDP. “Long
Covid” may be reducing the workforce by nearly 3 million workers
across OECD countries, amounting to an economic cost of at least US$141
billion from lost wages alone. Governments therefore have a duty
to invest in research now to reduce these economic effects in the
long run.33. Investment in research is still insufficient. The US has already
invested $1.5 billion in public funds since 2021, and an additional
investment of $515 million was announced for 2024. But European countries are lagging
behind, particularly the United Kingdom and France, which have invested
₤50 million and only €25 million respectively in this area.
But European countries are lagging
behind, particularly the United Kingdom and France, which have invested
₤50 million and only €25 million respectively in this area.34. Europe should play its role in combating “long Covid” and
consider the threat seriously. Civil society continues to call on
the European Commission to release €500 million to fill the research
gap on “long Covid”. In September 2024, the European
Commission launched a €2 million project aimed at combating “long
Covid” (EU4Health), which is managed by WHO and the OECD. Health
Commissioner Stella Kyriakides acknowledged that “Our understanding
of “long Covid” is now far greater – and yet we still need to better understand
its complexity – and how to treat it effectively”.
In September 2024, the European
Commission launched a €2 million project aimed at combating “long
Covid” (EU4Health), which is managed by WHO and the OECD. Health
Commissioner Stella Kyriakides acknowledged that “Our understanding
of “long Covid” is now far greater – and yet we still need to better understand
its complexity – and how to treat it effectively”.35. Patients are uniting everywhere in the world physically and
on social networks to give voice to their concerns about their lives
with “long Covid”. Long Covid Kids has developed many tools to raise
awareness of the condition of children with “long Covid” and help
parents to find answers. Long
Covid Europe brings together patient associations fighting similar
problems. Survivors have set up support groups to defend their rights.
The number of people living with the syndrome is significant and
continues to grow. These people must not be forgotten. As an organisation
playing a leading role in defending human rights on the European continent,
the Council of Europe has a duty to keep the issue on the agenda
of the authorities, to support initiatives on our continent to help
patients and make their voice heard, to restore their trust in the
system, and raise awareness amongst the population of this continuing
effect on many citizens of the pandemic which hit our societies
only a few years ago.
has developed many tools to raise
awareness of the condition of children with “long Covid” and help
parents to find answers. Long
Covid Europe brings together patient associations fighting similar
problems. Survivors have set up support groups to defend their rights.
The number of people living with the syndrome is significant and
continues to grow. These people must not be forgotten. As an organisation
playing a leading role in defending human rights on the European continent,
the Council of Europe has a duty to keep the issue on the agenda
of the authorities, to support initiatives on our continent to help
patients and make their voice heard, to restore their trust in the
system, and raise awareness amongst the population of this continuing
effect on many citizens of the pandemic which hit our societies
only a few years ago.36. It is up to public authorities to co-ordinate their efforts
at European and international levels to provide a comprehensive
response aimed at developing effective treatments, rehabilitating
patients and protecting their rights including the right to health,
and their full participation and place in society. The human rights-based approach
promoted by the Council of Europe should be the starting point in
preparing the response of national authorities. The latter should
set aside the necessary resources to devise the best policy responses
and provide guidance to all relevant stakeholders taking due account
of the complexity of “long Covid” and in full consultation with
those affected by it.