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Patients Rally in The Hague to Demand Action on Long-Term Post-Infection Illnesses

Reports that the €40 million long‑COVID research fund is nearly exhausted sharpened pressure on policymakers.

Overview

  • About 1,000 patients, relatives and carers gathered on the Malieveld, with empty wheelchairs symbolizing those too ill to attend.
  • Organizers and families urged renewed research funding, a national registry and clearer care pathways for PAIS conditions including long COVID, ME, Q‑fever and Lyme.
  • NOS reporting cited by outlets said the roughly €40 million pot for long‑COVID research is close to running out, with final grant proposals due this year.
  • Testimonies described severe, often bedbound disability across ages, including an 11‑year‑old who develops high fever after brief exertion.
  • Demissionary Health Minister Jan Anthonie Bruijn attended to listen and speak with participants, and coverage reported no new government commitments.