EMEA News Q3 2025

The Council of States has approved a motion calling for a national strategy to improve the health situation of people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long Covid. The patient organisations Long Covid Switzerland, ME/CFS Switzerland, and the Swiss Society for ME & CFS welcome the decision. For them, it is clear: swift action must now follow.

By clearly approving the motion “National Strategy to Improve the Health Situation of People with ME/CFS and Long Covid,” the Council of States is following the Federal Council and the National Council, both of which had already advocated for the development of a national strategy in the interests of those affected. The Federation is thus tasked with developing a comprehensive strategy together with relevant organisations, specialists, and cantons to improve care and support for those affected by these illnesses.

Current estimates suggest that over 60,000 people live with ME/CFS and around 450,000 with Long Covid in Switzerland—including approximately 18,000 children. Around 70 percent of all those affected are women.

The aim of such a national strategy must be to ensure faster diagnosis, appropriate treatment based on the latest scientific findings, and equal access to evidence-based tests, therapies, and medicines. Adequate support for those affected by social insurance is also a central concern.

Significantly improving the living conditions of those affected

For Nicole Spillmann, President of ME/CFS Switzerland, the approval of the motion is a first but important step. “Finally, ME/CFS and Long Covid are recognised and those affected are seen. The patient organisations hope that the approval of the motion will create a momentum that brings the necessary attention to these conditions and noticeably improves the living conditions of those affected.”

Brigitte Hilty Haller, President of SGME, emphasises: “It is important that an exchange about the care situation takes place quickly, involving all relevant stakeholders, and that the discussion focuses on what is already possible to improve the situation.”

The patient organisations therefore call for the swift implementation of the following points:

- Recognition of ME/CFS, Long Covid, and Post-Vac Syndrome as serious illnesses and as disease-related disabilities.

- Medical contact points, protection, and support for all those affected, especially for children, young people, and their families.

- Access to and funding for off-label medications and procedures.

- Rapid processing of cases and financial security through social insurance.

- The establishment of a medical specialist society or clarification of which existing specialist society is responsible for ME/CFS, Long Covid, and Post Vac.

Furthermore, medium- to long-term demands from the motion must also be addressed:

- The establishment of specialised competence centres and care networks in all language regions.

- The establishment of a national research programme and the development of a cohort.

- Mandatory training for medical personnel, authorities, and assessors.

- Inclusion of post-infectious diseases in the curriculum of medical professions.

- Promotion of telemedicine and outpatient care, including home visits for severely affected patients.

- Inclusion of patient organisations in the implementation of the strategy as well as their recognition by the Federation (Federal Office of Public Health, Federal Social Insurance Office) as experts.

Next steps must be taken quickly

Lorenz Hess, National Councillor for The Centre, Canton of Bern, initiator of the motion, says after the Council of States' decision: “I expect a pragmatic approach now, with all parties working together to quickly improve the situation and move forward. It must not take years again before anything finally happens.”

For Chantal Britt, President of Long Covid Switzerland, it is important that the Federation will begin developing the national strategy together with all stakeholders: “As patient organisations, we are ready to contribute our experience and expertise constructively to the dialogue and develop viable solutions together.”

The three patient organisations thank Lorenz Hess (National Councillor for The Centre) and the co-signatories Barbara Gysi (National Councillor SP, SG), Léonore Porchet (National Councillor The Greens, VD), Bettina Balmer (National Councillor FDP, ZH), Melanie Mettler (formerly National Councillor GLP, now Finance Director of the City of Bern), Thomas Knutti (National Councillor SVP, BE), and Thomas Rechsteiner (National Councillor The Centre, AI), as well as all members of parliament for their commitment, which has led to this important and long-awaited decision for those affected.