The European Commission will launch a 2-million-euro ($2.2 million) project aimed at addressing long COVID on Tuesday. This initiative highlights the EU’s commitment to tackling the prolonged impacts of the pandemic on its population and economy.
Long COVID has affected 36 million people across Europe in the first three years of the pandemic, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The condition has significantly impacted the EU economy, costing an estimated 0.2 to 0.3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in output loss in 2022 due to reduced labor supply, as noted by the European Commission.
The project, funded by the EU4Health program, will be managed collaboratively by the WHO and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. Its objectives include defining long COVID, developing a surveillance system, promoting the exchange of information among healthcare professionals, and providing clinical guidance to EU member states.
Additionally, the initiative aims to support affected patients and carers, assess the consequences of long COVID, and identify research gaps and needs. Recognizing the importance of shared experiences, the European Commission will also establish a group for professionals and patients to share their insights on long COVID.
This comprehensive approach seeks to enhance understanding and management of long COVID, ultimately aiming to mitigate its impact on individuals and economies across the EU.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
