Coronavirus Is No longer a “Global Health Emergency”

The one that emerged in December 2019 and towards the end of 2021, which we could only get over. COVID-19 outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-2had a profound effect on life all over the world. While life returned to normal thanks to vaccines developed and widely applied, the epidemic was still considered a global health emergency until today.

However, this situation eventually changed. World Health Organization, COVID-19 determined that it no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international importance. On the other hand, it was reminded that the disease is a well-established and ongoing health problem in our lives.

How was the decision made?

The World Health Organization Committee evaluated the criteria for determining COVID-19 to be removed from its status as a global health emergency:

• an unusual event
• Threat to public health with international spread
• The need for an internationally coordinated response

Given the current state of COVID-19, although SARS-CoV-2 circulates widely and evolves and continues, that this is no longer an unusual or unexpected event it was decided.

The World Health Organization also gave recommendations to member countries:

• Maintain national capacity gains and prepare for future events to avoid a cycle of panic and neglect.
• Integrate COVID-19 vaccination into lifelong immunization programs.
• Combine information from a variety of respiratory pathogen surveillance data sources to allow for comprehensive situational awareness.
• Prepare for medical measures to be authorized within national regulatory frameworks to ensure long-term availability and supply.
• Continue to work with communities and their leaders for strong, flexible and inclusive risk communication, community engagement and infodemic management programs.
• Continue to lift health measures related to international travel for COVID-19.
• Developing vaccines that reduce transmission and have broad applicability; To understand the full spectrum of the post-COVID-19 condition, incidence, impact and development of SARS-COV-2 in immunocompromised populations; Continue to support research to develop relevant integrated care pathways.