I have chronic Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses that went misdiagnosed for 18 months. This oversight led to a profound loss, stripping away everything that gave life its meaning: my family, my friends, my work, my health, and any semblance of fun or quality of life. Sadly, my story is not unique. Many individuals suffer from these debilitating diseases without proper acknowledgment or treatment.

Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections are severely underestimated across the globe. Current statistics do not reflect the actual impact these illnesses have on individuals and society as a whole. Each year, governments release figures that fail to capture the true number of people suffering and the extent of damage caused. This underreporting hinders the allocation of appropriate resources and the development of effective treatment protocols.

By making both acute and chronic Lyme disease and all individual tick-borne infections notifiable diseases, we can begin to gather accurate data on their prevalence. Accurate data collection is crucial for understanding the real impact and for driving the necessary health policy changes needed to combat these diseases effectively.

Furthermore, patients in countries like the USA, Germany, Mexico, Spain, Cyprus, and Switzerland have access to treatments that show promise in managing these conditions. It is vital that these treatment options are made available worldwide, including within our own healthcare systems, to provide relief and hope to those who suffer from these devastating illnesses.

Sign this petition to urge health authorities to recognize Lyme disease and tick-borne infections as notifiable diseases. Help ensure that those affected receive the necessary support and access to effective treatments that have been successful in other countries.