Region: Germany

12 days left

Extension of online availability: ARTE documentary ‘Chronically ill, chronically ignored’

Petition is addressed to
Arte

1,532 Signatures

31 %
5,000 for collection target

1,532 Signatures

31 %
5,000 for collection target
  1. Launched 06/01/2026
  2. Time remaining 12 days
  3. Submission
  4. Dialog with recipient
  5. Decision
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Petition is addressed to: Arte

The Arte documentary ‘Chronically ill, chronically ignored’ will only be available to view in the Arte media library and on YouTube until 24 February 2026.

We urgently request that it be made available online indefinitely, or at least for a significantly longer period. We also request that geoblocking be lifted to allow international access.

Reason

The documentary ‘Chronically ill, chronically ignored’ (ARTE, 2025) forcefully addresses the multisystem disease ME/CFS, its comorbidities and the structural gaps in care.

The film reaches a wide audience on the ARTE media library and YouTube and contributes significantly to raising awareness.

Those affected, their families and experts use the documentary extensively for educational purposes. The planned restriction in February and geoblocking severely limit access and interrupt social discourse – which is unacceptable for a global disease that affects millions of people.
We demand:

  • Unlimited or significantly extended availability in the media library and on YouTube
  • Complete removal of geoblocking for international accessibility

PLEASE sign up for more visibility for ME/CFS sufferers and people with complex chronic illnesses, such as POTS, MCAS, small fibre neuropathy, craniocervical instability, long Covid, people with vaccine damage and people with drug damage, such as from fluoroquinolones, worldwide!

The documentary is currently available here:
https://www.arte.tv/de/videos/108997-000-A/chronisch-krank-chronisch-ignoriert/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnnDSHPaAsY

Thank you for your support, Katja Trtilek, Esslingen
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Petition details

Petition started: 01/06/2026
Collection ends: 02/24/2026
Region: Germany
Topic: Media

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Why people sign

Des proches concernés. Pouvoir diffuser l information autour pour faire connaître ce problème de santé publique

Ciprofloxacin was prescribed to me over ten years ago by a urologist, just in case of any underlying prostatitis.

We later found out that there was no evidence of any infection/bacterial aetiology in the microbiology test

I was 40 years old when I was prescribed ciprofloxacin. I was also fit and active.

I suffered body wide collagen degradation, among other very distressing issues, including neurological ones, CNS/ANS, musculoskeletal and tendon damage, dreadful insomnia, breathing difficulties, aches, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, peripheral neuropathy, skin damage, vision damage, tinnitus/hearing loss, muscle fasciculations, myoclonic jerks and twitches etc. My reaction was such that it was clear to the relevent medical professionals.

I have been diagnosed with Fluoroquinolone Associated Disability by a Professor/Academic Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon who works in clinical practice with patients who have suffered an ADR to a fluoroquinolone.

I am aware of a number of people who have suffered a severe ADR to ciprofloxacin in my local area, some of whom were prescribed it by the same clinic within the same year. People without previous health problems. Fit and active, given for mild or non-existent infections.

I am still dealing with my ADR today, and so is my Mother, who is my carer. I want to stop other people needlessly suffering in the same way.

Ich bin selbst betroffen und es benötigt dringendst Forschung in diesem Bereich um Hilfe zu finden, zudem müssen alle Ärzte wissen, was FQAD ist und was dies für die Patienten bedeutet.

Weil ich selbst betroffen bin

I was disabled for months and had to have my blood filtered for 18 months with a total of 15 side effects and consequences from a single pill of Cipro. While I mostly healed after 3 years, my life has been forever altered.

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This petition has been translated into the following languages

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