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. 2023 Feb 13;2(1):e69.
doi: 10.1002/puh2.69. eCollection 2023 Mar.

Long Covid: A call for global action

Arianna Maever Loreche  1   2 , Veincent Christian F Pepito  1 , Manuel M Dayrit  1
Affiliations

Long Covid: A call for global action

Arianna Maever Loreche et al. Public Health Chall. .

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in another global health crisis with millions of individuals with Long Covid experiencing disability, worse health-related quality of life, and productivity and income losses. Despite its impact on population health outcomes, health systems, and the economy, there remains a need for a global consensus on its standard definition, diagnostic approaches, and treatment plans to manage symptoms. In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), there are limited published estimates on Long Covid, limited studies on its diagnostics and therapeutics, and limited media and news coverage. We advocate for a global action plan and necessary investments on Long Covid research and treatment, meaningful involvement of patients and cooperation between high-income countries and LMICs, stronger and more effective public health communication surrounding the risks of Long Covid, and support toward financial risk protection as advocated by Universal Health Care.

Keywords: COVID‐19; Long Covid; global health; pandemic; population health.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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