Awareness and diagnosis of fibromyalgia

11.1.2016

Question for written answer E-000125-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Richard Howitt (S&D)

Fibromyalgia is an illness which affects some 14 million people in the EU, including up to 2.7 million people in the UK. It is a debilitating chronic pain condition which manifests with widespread pain, chronic fatigue and sleep deprivation. The pain can present in any part of the body, can be severe and can last for many days, weeks and even months at a time. Written Declaration 0069/2008 called on the Commission and the Council to develop a Community strategy on this syndrome.

With reference to the above points:

• 1.What action has been taken since the creation of the European Musculoskeletal Conditions Surveillance and Information Network that ran under the Health Programme 2008-2013?
• 2.Will the Commission launch research into the speed of diagnosis, state of care and support services for people living with fibromyalgia and benchmark the level of care?
• 3.What will the Commission do to raise awareness of this illness and address the stigma that often accompanies it?