Prejudice weighs heavier than illness for 6 in 10 chronically ill Belgians

A significant majority of chronically ill people in Belgium experience more difficulties due to societal prejudice than their actual health conditions, according to a new survey. The Flemish Patient Platform (VPP) found that 6 out of 10 chronically ill individuals feel this way.

In response, the VPP has launched a new campaign titled #WelZiekGeenProfiteur, which translates to "Sick, Not a Profiteer." The campaign aims to combat the widespread misunderstanding and stigma faced by people with chronic illnesses, particularly concerning their ability to work. Belgium currently has approximately 585,000 long-term sick individuals, an increase of over 105,000 in the past five years.

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I want people to understand that working part-time is not a choice for me, but a way to still be able to participate in life.

The VPP argues that recent government measures, introduced in January by the De Wever administration to reduce long-term sick leave figures, place an additional burden on those with chronic diseases. The organization points out that these individuals daily encounter a lack of understanding, prejudice, and financial struggles. Sensationalist newspaper headlines, such as '14,700 long-term sick receive benefits while living abroad' and 'Number of long-term sick in Belgium again at record levels,' only exacerbate the situation, according to the VPP.

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People want to work. Those who cannot work due to illness struggle with it. You lose not only your income but also a part of your identity.

Mireilla, a 51-year-old suffering from colitis ulcerosa, shared her experience: "I want people to understand that working part-time is not a choice for me, but a way to still be able to participate in life." She can only work half-time due to her condition. Work is a recurring theme in the testimonies collected by VPP. "People want to work. Those who cannot work due to illness struggle with it. You lose not only your income but also a part of your identity," the platform stated.

Even when working is theoretically possible, the reality often presents insurmountable obstacles, such as a shortage of adapted and part-time jobs. The collected testimonies will be compiled on the VPP website, with the organization intending to present them to policymakers. The campaign seeks to foster greater empathy and understanding, challenging the perception of the chronically ill as mere "profiteers."

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And even when working on paper is possible, reality often makes it impossible. For example, due to a shortage of adapted and part-time jobs.