At least one million Germans suffer from Long Covid. Nevertheless, Research Minister Stark-Watzinger rejects three quarters of the research applications for the disease. The Union accuses the FDP politician of inactivity.
With Long Covid, a large number of those affected encounter a lack of knowledge. Nevertheless, the Federal Ministry of Research has rejected a large part of the funding applications for research into the disease. This is reported by the editorial network Germany (RND) with reference to a parliamentary question from the CDU/CSU parliamentary group.
According to the ministry, a total of 73 project applications with a total volume of over 55 million euros were submitted for research into late symptoms and long-term health effects of long covid. Of these, only 15 projects were approved with a funding amount of 12.5 million euros. That's a quarter of the requested funds. The ministry led by the FDP did not provide any information on the reasons for the low rate.
Sharp criticism came from the Union. The small sum is "completely unacceptable and does not even begin to do justice to the size of the challenge," said the research policy spokesman for the parliamentary group, Thomas Jarzombek, the RND with a view to the total budget of the research ministry of 21.5 billion euros. Current studies assume that at least one million people in Germany are suffering from the consequences of a Covid infection. "Many hopes of those affected were based on the findings of science and research," emphasized the CDU politician and accused the Liberal Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger of inactivity. "It seems as if Federal Minister Stark-Watzinger would deny the existence of Long Covid, since apparently what must not be cannot be," he said.
The chairman of the education and research working group in the Union faction, Stephan Albani, called for more investment in research into Long Covid and myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). More financial support is needed for research projects, diagnostic methods and treatment options in order to give those affected a better understanding and better access to possible therapies, the CDU politician warned.
