Biden Administration Boosts Long Covid Research Funding by $515 Million
February 15, 2024
The Biden administration has announced a substantial increase in funding for long Covid research, adding $515 million to the National Institutes of Health’s RECOVER initiative. This nearly 50% budget increase brings the total investment to $1.15 billion since the project’s inception in 2020. The additional funds aim to expand clinical trials for new treatments, deepen the understanding of long-term Covid effects on the body, identify long-term recovery patterns, and support ongoing research infrastructure.
Despite the initiative’s ambitious goals, it has faced criticism for a slow start and concerns over inadequate focus on treatment testing. Patient advocates and experts have welcomed the increased funding but continue to express concerns about transparency, accountability, and the initiative’s long-term commitment, with funding secured only until 2028. They call for sustained and substantial funding to match the long Covid impact scale. The recent financial boost, sourced from the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund, reflects a significant step toward addressing the complex challenges of long Covid. Yet, stakeholders emphasize the need for further support and precise research and treatment development strategies.
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[Source: STAT, February 15th, 2024]
