The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that the Covid-19 pandemic is no longer considered a global health emergency and that the pandemic is finally over.
However, they added that it doesn’t mean the virus is not a threat.
The emergency committee of the WHO convened for the 15th time and advised a transition to the long term management of the pandemic based on the decline in hospitalisations and ICU admissions, the high levels of population immunity to the disease.
Snippets of WHO’s statement
The Committee members highlighted the decreasing trend in COVID-19 Â deaths, the decline in COVID-19 related hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions, and the high levels of population immunity to SARS-CoV-2.
The Committee’s position has been evolving over the last several months. While acknowledging the remaining uncertainties posted by potential evolution of SARS-CoV-2, they advised that it is time to transition to long-term management of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The WHO Director-General concurs with the advice offered by the Committee regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
He determines that COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
The Committee was informed that, globally, 13.3 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered. =
Currently, 89% of health workers and 82% of adults over 60 years have completed the primary series (the initial one or two doses recommended as per the vaccine schedule), although coverage in these priority groups varies in different regions. Â
The number of weekly reported deaths and hospitalizations continues to decrease, but the WHO Director-General expressed concern that surveillance reporting to WHO has declined significantly, that there continues to be inequitable access to life-saving interventions, and that pandemic fatigue continues to grow.
The Director-General announced the publication of the 2023-2025 COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan which is designed to guide countries in transitioning to long-term management of COVID-19.