Abstract
The continuing high prevalence of Long Covid in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) and its disabling effects for thousands of us requires a strong coordinated government response, as recommended in a recent OECD report. Data from the New Zealand Health Survey show that 77.7% of adults have had Covid-19, and 9.2% (about 401,000 people) have experienced Long Covid, with nearly half still symptomatic. It affects people of all ages, but prevalence is highest among women and Māori, and is probably underestimated due to continuing infection and reinfection.
The substantial health, social, and economic impacts of Long Covid justify a well-coordinated national response with the goal of prevention and better care for those affected to minimise long-term harms. Specific measures include vaccination, public health and social measures to reduce transmission, improved indoor air quality, and dedicated care and support for affected individuals along with surveillance and research to support effective service delivery and improvement.