The European ME Coalition (EMEC) presents three new fact sheets about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The documents briefly summarize key facts about the economic and societal impact of ME/CFS in Europe and the recent efforts made by ME/CFS advocates including the petition submitted by Evelien Van Den Brink. The fact sheets will help to inform politicians and key policymakers about the need for biomedical research on ME/CFS in Europe.
The three fact sheets focus on separate topics.
One longer document provides basic information in a plain text format and is supported by ample scientific references. It forms an ideal starting point for anyone who wants to learn more about ME/CFS in Europe.
A second document is shorter and focuses on key figures. With its simple formatting and pictograms, it will be most helpful to those who want a brief overview (or who are simply bad at memorizing numbers).
A third document focuses on recommendations to Member States made in the recently adopted European ME/CFS resolution. Although most of the recommendations address the European Commission, some proposals are directed at the Member States such as organizing “training to raise awareness among healthcare providers” or “ensure coordinated and comprehensive data gathering on ME/CFS”. An overview of these recommendations will be useful for advocacy efforts at the national level. In Germany, for example, the main patient organizations have already used the European resolution to prompt health officials and politicians to take action on ME/CFS.