Aug. 1 (UPI) — The Biden administration unveiled the Office of Long COVID Research and Practice, a new entity within the Department of Health and Human Services, tasked with leading the nation’s response to the long-term effects of the COVID-19 virus.
The Office of Long COVID Research and Practice will coordinate the government’s efforts to address the ongoing challenges associated with COVID-19, including related conditions, through the implementation of federal action plans.
“By establishing the Office of Long COVID Research and Practice, we are strengthening our commitment to improve the lives of those impacted by the long-term consequences of this unprecedented public health crisis,” stated Adm. Rachel Levine, the assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services. “This collaborative effort brings together the expertise and resources of federal, state, and local partners, as well as patients, providers, researchers, and the business sector, to address the pressing needs of the American people.”
Long COVID, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, refers to the persistence or development of symptoms and conditions following an initial COVID-19 infection.
The CDC has identified over 200 symptoms associated with long COVID, and these health complications can endure for weeks to years. While individuals who had severe COVID-19 cases are more likely to experience long COVID, anyone affected by the pandemic can exhibit such symptoms, according to the federal health agency.
The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that between 7.7 million and 23 million Americans have developed long COVID. Additionally, Johns Hopkins University reports that nearly 104 million Americans tested positive for COVID-19, with 1.1 million fatalities, as of March.
In conjunction with the establishment of the Office of Long COVID Research and Practice, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has initiated clinical trials through the RECOVER Initiative. This $1.15 billion research program aims to understand and treat long COVID.
“As our nation continues to make progress in combating COVID-19, it is essential that we address the impact of long COVID and provide resources to those in need,” emphasized Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The official establishment of the Long COVID Coordinating office and the launch of the RECOVER clinical trials confirm the ongoing priority that the Biden administration places on this issue.”
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