Politics / News
Interpellation of the Swiss Federal Council by
Nicolas Walder
25.09.2025

At the initiative of Lyme Switzerland, National Councillor Nicolas Walder submitted an interpellation to the Federal Council regarding chronic Lyme disease and co-infections with Bartonella and Babesia. The goal: to draw political attention to a reality that remains largely unrecognised — not only the chronicity of Borrelia, but also the persistence of Babesia and Bartonella infections, which are likewise still poorly diagnosed and inadequately managed. Up to 35% of patients continue to suffer despite standard antibiotic treatment, with symptoms that can be severely disabling.
Open letter and scientific dossier addressed to medical and political authorities
7.12.2025

Today, the Swiss Lyme Association is sending an open letter to more than 180 Swiss medical and political bodies, including researchers, policymakers, cantonal health ministers, cantonal physicians, hospital directors, heads of infectious diseases, as well as the President of the Confederation and the members of the Council of States. The rise of vector-borne diseases in Switzerland poses immense medical challenges for the Swiss healthcare system, particularly in the recognition of Lyme disease (Borrelia) and the most common associated co-infections, Babesia and Bartonella (the “3B”). There is, in fact, a troubling gap between current scientific knowledge—mostly stemming from North American research—and the diagnostic and therapeutic tools used in Switzerland, which are largely outdated. This situation leads to diagnostic uncertainty, prolonged illness, disability, deaths, and a significant burden on our economy for nearly 30 years. For far too long, the healthcare system has underestimated the importance of this silent epidemic, with Lyme prevalence estimated at more than 14% of the population. The current lack of action plunges thousands of patients into medical wandering, psychological distress, and loss of autonomy, resulting in considerable social and economic consequences. Given the current situation: We call for an urgent update of diagnostic tools for Borrelia, Babesia, and Bartonella infections. We call for a revision of current protocols and an overhaul of medical education in this field at Swiss universities. This approach is based on our “One Health” database, which includes more than 400 scientific publications, as well as the recommendations of international researchers. Current serological tests are outdated and unreliable, whereas direct diagnostic technologies already exist. Science is advancing rapidly, but clinical practice is not keeping pace. It is time for the Swiss healthcare system to take responsibility, integrate these scientific advances, and even contribute to them!
