Overview

• The combined annual cost of Long Covid and ME/CFS in Germany exceeds €60 billion, equivalent to 1.5% of the nation's GDP.
• Cumulative costs from 2020 to 2024 are estimated at over €250 billion, reflecting the long-term economic burden.
• Approximately 870,000 people in Germany were still suffering from Long Covid and 650,000 from ME/CFS by the end of 2024.
• Researchers emphasize the disparity between the societal costs and the current research funding, which remains in the tens of millions annually.
• Advocacy efforts, including awareness events and expert conferences in Berlin, aim to push for better recognition, care, and expanded research initiatives.