Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic, Germany grapples with a mounting healthcare and economic crisis as an estimated 2.58 million people suffer from Long COVID, according to recent reports [1][2].

The German healthcare system faces severe strain with annual economic losses reaching €7.4 billion, based on a 2020 study cited by multiple sources [1][3]. This figure reflects lost productivity and healthcare costs associated with Long COVID and ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome).

The German Federal Health Ministry launched a new research initiative on February 10, 2025, allocating €138 million for Long COVID research, including:

€73 million for 30 care-related research projects€45 million for pediatric Long COVID care initiatives

However, patient advocacy group NichtGenesen argues this funding falls short. "The conditions are dire," says spokesperson Mareike Mitschele [1]. "Patients depend on others for daily assistance and must fight legally for everything."

The German Pension Insurance reports 7,394 disability pensions approved for COVID-related conditions between 2021-2023, while application rates have tripled since 2022 [2]. This represents only a fraction of affected individuals, as many face lengthy delays in receiving support.

Medical experts identify Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) as a primary symptom, causing severe fatigue and decreased function after minimal physical or mental effort. Currently, no specific medications exist for treating ME/CFS or Long COVID symptoms [1].

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für ME/CFS estimates €4 billion in annual global research funding would be needed to address the 40-year research gap in this field, comparable to multiple sclerosis research levels for a similar patient population [3].