Long COVID round table – September 2023

The first round table on Long COVID organised by the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) aimed to better understand the situation of Long COVID care in Germany - and to discuss possible measures to improve care. Federal Minister of Health Prof. Dr Karl Lauterbach invited guests from the most varied sectors of society which are affected by the impacts of this disease pattern. The participants thus included people suffering from the disease, those treating it, researchers, employers, insurers and people who have political authority.

At the beginning of the event, impulse lectures by two international experts shed light on the current scientific conflict with Long COVID. Prof. Akiko Iwasaki, holder of the Sterling professorship in immune, molecular, cellular and developmental biology at the School of Medicine at Yale University (USA), spoke about the current state of research on possible causes (please read her guest article as well). Understanding the causes precisely is the basis for developing effective therapies. The second impulse lecture was given by Prof. Judith Bruchfeld, chief physician at Karolinska University Hospital in Solna (Sweden). She made clear the urgency and importance of the need for action on Long COVID, and presented results of her own treatment studies. 

The main focus of the round table was on the joint exchange of information regarding the care situation of patients with Long COVID. The discussion was moderated by Federal Minister of Health Prof. Dr Karl Lauterbach. The guests shared their experiences and discussed the topic from their different perspectives. Numerous issues were discussed, including care pathways for Long COVID, how children and young people are affected, the significance of rehabilitation and issues of vocational rehabilitation. Other points of discussion were the challenges for those providing treatment, the needs for interdisciplinary research, the transfer of research results into care and issues regarding treatment with medicines.

Important insights were gained in the dialogue. The discussion results of the round table will be carefully evaluated in the next step, and exchanges with affected groups will be continued in the future.

The perspectives brought to the round table were diverse. To reflect the different experiences, here are videos with statements from some of the guests of the round table.  The video statements represent the personal views of the participants. They in no way constitute an expression of opinion on the part of the Federal Ministry of Health.