The Canarian Islands Persistent Covid Association appointed its first Honorary Members on Friday in celebration of the International Day of this condition, a date established last year by patient initiative, advocating this year with the motto The overlooked that we are. The distinctions were awarded at the Official College of Physicians of Las Palmas, and bestowed upon Neuropsychology professor José Barroso; the Official College of Psychologists of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, treasurer of the Spanish Society of General Practitioners and Family Doctors (SEMG), Lorenzo Armenteros; and Internal Medicine specialist Juan Francisco Vigueras.
“Fortunately, we have great role models in the Canary Islands and people who are supporting us. Through this event, we want to thank them for their efforts and we would like to reward other professionals next year,” stated Inmaculada Pérez del Toro, vice president of the aforementioned group. “It is very important to continue giving visibility to this condition. The only progress we have made in these four years is that the Department of Health has acknowledged that our disease is underdiagnosed,” she emphasized.
The first person to receive recognition was Dr. José Barroso, who was distinguished for his professional commitment to patients with persistent Covid. The physician helped the institution sign the first agreement with the Psicovegueta University Psychology Clinic and has provided many members of the organization with neuropsychological evaluations and participation in research. Additionally, he has promoted cognitive rehabilitation workshops and contributed to the training of many professionals. “We never doubted that Covid could leave neuropsychological sequelae. It has been an honour for me to be able to help because it gives meaning to my professional life,” stated the professor.
“We will be sending a project on microbiota and Covid to a laboratory,” reports Dr. Vigueras
Next, Carmen Linares took the stage, who represented the Official College of Psychologists of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Among the reasons that led to the collegiate organization receiving the award are the emotional support it provides to those affected by persistent Covid in this province –thanks to the signing of a second agreement with the association in February 2022–, offering free care to patients of the association in Tenerife, and the development of educational and practical workshops in the two Canary provinces. “It is a privilege for me to be here representing the college and being an honorary member of the association. It is very gratifying to be able to contribute to improving the mental health of the community, especially those who suffer and suffer,” added Linares.
The third recipient was Dr. Vigueras, who actively participates in research on this disease. “Next Monday, we will be sending a proposal on microbiota and Covid to a French laboratory and hope to have their support for this study. We want to analyse the microbiota of patients with persistent Covid, compare the differences with that of healthy individuals, and assess if they can improve with treatment,” detailed the specialist, working at the Alcaravaneras health centre.
Lastly, Dr. Lorenzo Armenteros received the distinct plaque, participating in the meeting via video conference as he resides in Lugo. This practitioner was involved in the development of the Canarian Persistent Covid strategy and has altruistically trained professionals from the pharmacists’ and psychologists’ colleges of Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. “At a time when everything seems to be forgotten and when it seems that persistent Covid has never existed, we know that it is still there and that patients continue to need our support and the backing of the government,” he appreciated.
The Canarian Islands Persistent Covid Association advocates for the need to boost research, promote the training of professionals, adapt workplaces to the needs of those affected, develop preventive activities, and establish specialised multidisciplinary units throughout the Archipelago. “We are not so alone because we find comfort in associations and groups that try to cover what society and the authorities do not, but our efforts are not enough, and we feel exhausted,” lament those affected.
