Bremen Conference Tackles Long Covid and ME/CFS Diagnosis Gaps on February 18

An expert conference on Long Covid and ME/CFS will take place in Bremen on February 18, 2023. The event, running from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at the ZGF offices, aims to improve understanding of these often misunderstood conditions. Around 500,000 people in Germany—and millions globally—are affected by them, yet many face long delays in diagnosis and treatment.

The conference will feature a mix of discussions and presentations. Privatdozentin Dr. Karin Storm van's Gravesande will deliver a medical lecture, while another session focuses on enhancing primary care for patients. A patient-led discussion will also highlight personal experiences of living with Long Covid or ME/CFS.

Diagnosing these conditions remains a major challenge. On average, patients wait six to seven years for confirmation, often due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Women, who make up roughly two-thirds of cases, face additional barriers, including a lack of gender-sensitive diagnostics.

The event is free to attend, with no registration required. Participating physicians will earn one continuing education credit. Organisers hope to raise awareness among general practitioners and embed the issue more firmly in public debate.

Long-term consequences of these illnesses can be severe. Many patients require ongoing support or long-term care, while others risk old-age poverty, social isolation, or financial hardship after losing their jobs.

The Bremen conference follows a similar nationwide event in Berlin, which drew around 180 participants in 2025. While exact attendance figures for this year's gathering are unknown, the focus remains on sharing scientific knowledge and improving patient care. For those living with Long Covid or ME/CFS, better recognition and treatment could make a critical difference.