Health Minister Warken to expand Long-Covid care for youth - Germany invests €41M to combat Long COVID in young patients by 2028

Germany has launched a major initiative to support young patients suffering from Long COVID and related conditions. The Federal Health Ministry is funding the PEDNET-LC project with around €41 million through 2028, with Saxony receiving a share of €5.6 million for its care programmes. The move comes as roughly 1.5 million people nationwide, including many children and teenagers, continue to face long-term health issues after COVID-19 infections.

The PEDNET-LC network brings together 65 clinics and research institutions across the country. Its goal is to improve diagnostics and treatment for young patients with Long COVID, ME/CFS, and other post-viral conditions. Twenty interdisciplinary care centres, including one in Dresden, now provide specialised support—primarily for 12- to 18-year-olds.

Saxony has already approved comprehensive care for its estimated 300 affected children, adolescents, and adults. The centres treat patients regardless of whether their symptoms stem from vaccination, infection, or other triggers. Federal Health Minister Nina Warken is pushing for a nationwide expansion of these services, calling for better access to off-label medications, increased research funding, and improved outreach to underserved regions.

Warken emphasised the need for a coordinated network to ensure all young patients receive timely and effective treatment. The project aims not only to manage symptoms but also to help patients regain their health and quality of life.

The €41 million investment will fund research and treatment until 2028, with Dresden receiving €5.6 million for local care. The initiative focuses on young patients, many of whom have struggled with long-term effects since the pandemic. Authorities hope the expanded network will reduce disparities in care and provide clearer pathways to recovery.