Action for M.E

11.40.00pm GMT Sun 7th Mar 2010

M.E is a mysterious and chronic illness. Although the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recognises it as a serious disease to be rated alongside multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis, M.E gets relatively low levels of recognition and funding.

Action for M.E and the Association of Young People with M.E (AYME) have produced an election manifesto, which they claim as "The most representative statement of the priorities of people with M.E today."

M.E stands for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Common symptoms include exhaustion, unrefreshing sleep, poor concentration and memory, headache, muscle pain and digestive problems. A quarter of a million people in the UK have the disease.

The seven-point manifesto asks us to commit to:

1. Put an end to inequalities in health provision faced by adults, young people and children with M.E.

2. Bring about a fundamental shift in attitude in welfare policy and practice towards chronic fluctuating illnesses.

3. See that robust scientific evidence of the biology of this disease is obtained and disseminated across all government departments.

4. Guarantee that all children, young people and adults with M.E. who are well enough have access to education and receive appropriate support to fulfil their potential.

5. Ensure that all young people and adults with M.E. who are well enough have access to employment and will receive appropriate support to fulfil their potential.

6. See that all adults, young people, and children with M.E. receive optimal respite care, support and information.

7. Make sure that all carers of adults, young people and children with M.E. receive optimal support and information.

For more see www.afme.org.uk or www.ayme.org.uk

Comment - These requirements seem very reasonable and I'm happy to support the campaign, whilst admitting to not having a full understanding of the disease and the different ways it affects sufferers.