Long Covid Advocacy, a group advocating for justice, research, and patient-led reform, has recently released an open letter to Green Party Deputy Leader Zack Polanski. In the letter, the group congratulates Polanski for his leadership and urges for bold, systemic reform in how the UK approaches post-viral illness, specifically Long Covid and ME.
According to the group, there are strong parallels between the denial surrounding the climate emergency and the neglect of infection-associated chronic illness. They believe that both issues demand courage, honesty, and reform “from the ground up.”
The group also notes that climate breakdown increases the risk of new pandemics, as ecological disruption and warming drive the spread of infectious diseases. They state that the same political courage needed to face the climate crisis is also needed to build resilient, evidence-based public health systems. Ignoring either issue comes at an enormous social and human cost.
The open letter highlights the deep inequality in treatment and care that people with infection-associated chronic illness, including Long Covid and ME, still face across the UK. The group states that services are fragmented, disbelief remains widespread, and patients are often left to navigate complex conditions without meaningful and effective medical support.
The letter praises the Greens’ pioneering policy on Covid and Long Covid, which was developed through the Greens Against Covid group. However, they urge the party to take further action by championing:
1. Co-produced, trauma-informed NHS care for severe ME and Long Covid.
2. Quality, evidence-based medical education and clinical practice.
3. Biomedical research and RECOVERY-style trials developed in partnership with patients.
4. Centres of excellence integrating care, research, and community knowledge.
5. Public health leadership connecting clean air, infection control, vaccination, and equitable access to care.
As COP30 unfolds, the group believes that this moment demands political courage – to speak where others remain silent and to act on truths that are “politically inconvenient but morally urgent.” They state that together, they want to restore hope for those still unwell, for those left behind, and for a health system that listens, learns, and acts with integrity.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.