The European ME Coalition (EMEC) sent letters to several French health authorities in support of the excellent letters that were recently sent by the French organizations Association française du Syndrome de Fatigue Chronique (ASFC) and MillionsMissing France.
Both organizations asked the French authorities to improve the situation of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) in their country and to support biomedical research on ME/CFS.
The resolution on additional funding for biomedical research on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (2020/2580(RSP)) that was adopted by the European Parliament on 18 June 2020, calls on Member States to ensure due recognition of ME/CFS and organize targeted training to raise awareness among healthcare providers. It recommends to allocate funding and prioritize calls for projects specifically focused on biomedical research on ME/CFS.
In Germany, for example, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) responded to the resolution by a targeted call for research on poorly understood conditions with a large disease burden and insufficient treatment options.
France is one of the leading countries in Europe. With prestigious biomedical research centers such as the Institut Pasteur and the Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (Inserm), France could make a groundbreaking contribution to ME/CFS research.
We therefore fervently hope that France will join other countries in bringing about much-needed change for ME/CFS patients.
Read the EMEC letter in English or French
Read the letter by ASFC
Read the letter by Millions Missing France