We are calling on the UK Government to develop and fund a comprehensive national Long COVID strategy delivering equitable healthcare, sustained biomedical research, evidence-based treatments, cleaner indoor air in healthcare and schools, stronger infection prevention, and appropriate long-term care and support for people living with Long COVID.

This petition is directed at the UK Government because people living with Long COVID in the UK urgently need action. However, Long COVID is a global public-health issue, and we welcome support from people affected by Long COVID and its consequences around the world.

Long COVID continues to affect millions of people across the UK, including children, healthcare workers and people who became unwell through everyday activities and work. For many, the consequences are life-changing and disabling.

As routine COVID surveillance, testing and infection prevention measures have significantly reduced or ceased, the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and Long COVID risks becoming increasingly overlooked and insufficiently monitored.

People living with Long COVID need more than temporary attention.

We need sustained research into the biological mechanisms of the disease, reliable diagnostic tools and effective, evidence-based treatments that address the underlying illness rather than relying solely on symptom management.

• We need properly funded and accessible healthcare services.
• We need healthcare professionals to receive appropriate education about Long COVID.
• We need children and vulnerable people to be better protected in schools and healthcare settings.
• We need cleaner indoor air, effective infection prevention and appropriate support for people whose health has prevented them from working or living independently.
• We are asking for a coordinated national strategy developed in genuine partnership with people living with Long COVID, carers, clinicians, researchers and established Long COVID organisations.

This is not simply about those who are already sick.

It is about protecting patients, protecting children, protecting our NHS, protecting our workforce and protecting society from further avoidable harm.

Our Open Letter to the Prime Minister
This petition accompanies an open letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham and the UK Government, written from the perspective of a former NHS Community Mental Health Specialist now living with severe Long COVID and reflecting the experiences and concerns of people affected across the UK and globally.

The letter describes the human reality behind the statistics and sets out the urgent action the Long COVID community is asking the Government to take.

We are asking the Government to listen.

We are asking for recognition.

We are asking for research, treatment, care, protection and hope.

Click this link to view the Open Letter to support this petition and campaign.​

Click this link for supporting evidence & resources

Please sign and share this petition. Add your voice to the call for a national Long COVID strategy.

Your voice matters more than you know.