Covid No Longer A Global Emergency - WHO

After almost three years since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that it no longer considers the virus a global health emergency. However, despite this change in classification, the WHO emphasizes that the threat posed by Covid-19 remains significant, with fatalities occurring every three minutes.



Transitioning from Emergency to Ongoing Threat

While WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus acknowledged the recommendation from the emergency committee to declare an end to the public health emergency of international concern, he cautioned that this did not signify the end of Covid-19 as a global health threat. Although the emergency status has been lifted, Covid-19 continues to claim lives at an alarming rate.

Vigilance Remains Essential

The global health emergency designation played a vital role in raising awareness and fostering international collaboration for vaccines and treatments. The decision to downgrade the alert status reflects the advancements made in these areas. Nonetheless, health officials stress that Covid-19 is expected to persist, even without the emergency label.

Maintaining Vigilance

Tedros emphasized the importance of not letting down our guard or dismantling the established systems to combat Covid-19. He warned against complacency, reminding countries that the danger still exists and that the emergency status could be reinstated if circumstances change.

Lingering Impacts and Challenges Ahead

Covid-19 has claimed over 6.9 million lives and affected the health of more than 765 million people, according to the WHO, with the actual numbers likely to be higher. While global Covid-19 deaths have significantly decreased since January, the disease still claimed 16,000 lives worldwide last month alone.

Addressing Long Covid and Its Long-Term Consequences

Beyond the immediate impact, WHO Director-General Tedros highlighted the ongoing challenge of long Covid, which causes persisting and severe symptoms that can last for months or even years. As an estimated one in ten people who contract Covid-19 experience long Covid, the need for extended care is immense. Tedros urged governments to take immediate and sustained action to address the long-term consequences of this debilitating condition.