Thousands of long Covid patients across the globe are urging their governments to provide more help for the growing number of people facing lingering symptoms after infection.
At least 90 long Covid groups exist around the world in 34 countries. Most are pushing for more research, improved clinical treatments and increased access to disability benefits, while others offer support and advice.
Some studies suggest long Covid could affect as much as 30 percent of people who are infected — a fact that is not often publicly discussed when governments talk about which preventive measures are appropriate at this stage of the pandemic.
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“In terms of government … I don’t even think it’s even being discussed,” said Wachuka Gichohi, a long Covid advocate in Kenya who started the Long Covid Kenya Support Group on Facebook.
Her group, like many that have formed online, is a place where patients share information and advice on the disease — especially useful to those who can’t afford a doctor.
But social media support groups and patient initiatives are hardly enough, advocates say. They want governments to take seriously the risks of long Covid — through more research funding, clearer protocols to treat the syndrome, guaranteeing disability benefits for patients who cannot work and more broadly recognizing the public risk.
