Long Covid Awareness Day 2025: Advocacy Groups Call for Urgent Government Action

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PRESS RELEASE
Publication Date: 15/03/2025

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On Saturday 15 March, Long Covid Awareness Day, advocacy groups across the UK are calling on the government to address the ongoing and debilitating effects of Long Covid, which continues to impact millions of individuals.

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This year, two groups are leading coordinated campaigns to raise awareness and demand action:

• Long Covid Advocacy is launching a postcard campaign, #Postcards4LC, directed at key health figures and policymakers, urging immediate prioritisation of funding for Long Covid research and treatment.

• Not Recovered UK is distributing leaflets and lighting up iconic buildings in teal across the UK, including the Shipbuilders Port in Glasgow and the Penshaw Monument in Sunderland, to highlight the personal and societal impacts of the condition. Leaflets provide essential information on symptoms, available support resources, and a call for stronger public health policies.
   

Long Covid: Far-Reaching Impacts

Recent estimates suggest that over 2.5 million people in the UK are living with Long Covid. Symptoms can range from fatigue and cognitive dysfunction to severe respiratory issues and debilitating pain, affecting the ability to work and carry out daily activities.

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According to the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS), Long Covid has contributed to approximately 1.5 million working-age people being unable to work or experiencing reduced capacity, creating an estimated £10 billion annual economic loss from lost productivity, healthcare expenses, and broader societal strain.

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Advocates Call for Government Action

To mark Long Covid Awareness Day, advocacy groups are urging the UK government to commit substantial funding towards:

• Research into biomarkers to understand the root causes and identify effective treatments.

• Drug development for those suffering ongoing symptoms.

• In-depth study of Long Covid pathophysiology to guide more effective medical responses.

 

Claire Every from Long Covid Advocacy said:

“Long Covid is a national health crisis, and it’s time for the government to recognize the immense strain it places on individuals, families, and the economy. The research and funding gaps must be addressed if we are to see any meaningful recovery for those affected by this ongoing disease.”

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Alex Sprackland from Not Recovered UK said:

“We are now five years into the Covid-19 pandemic and according to ONS there are 2 million people in the UK suffering from Long Covid. To this day, there are still no treatments for those people suffering. Research has stalled due to lack of funding and the Long Covid clinics are closing leaving people without hope. The government promised the people suffering help, we want to know… Where is it?”

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About Long Covid Advocacy
Long Covid Advocacy is a grassroots organisation working to raise awareness, influence policy, and ensure access to research, care, and support for people living with Long Covid.

About Not Recovered UK
Not Recovered UK provides information, support, and advocacy for those living with Long Covid, campaigning for recognition, funding, and treatment options.

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ENDS

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Media contact:
hello[at]longcovidadvoc.com
www.longcovidadvoc.com

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