The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that Covid-19 remains a global health emergency, despite the pandemic reaching a transitional phase. The virus is still dangerous, particularly in poorer countries where vulnerable groups remain inadequately vaccinated. An expert panel of the WHO recently discussed whether Covid-19 should still be classified as a global health emergency. Today, the WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, confirmed that the highest level of alert will be maintained. The WHO believes that Covid-19 has likely reached a transitional phase, which must be carefully managed to prevent the pandemic from resurging.
Although the global Covid-19 situation has improved in recent months, the WHO reports that there have been approximately 170,000 Covid-19-related deaths worldwide in the past eight weeks. The publication highlights concerns that health authorities are no longer accurately monitoring the virus’s spread, and many medical facilities are still struggling with testing and treatment. Additionally, vulnerable groups in poorer countries remain inadequately vaccinated. The WHO warns that Covid-19 is likely to remain a human and animal pathogen for the foreseeable future.
In response to the current situation, the WHO is calling on states to develop medium- and long-term plans for preventing, monitoring, and controlling Covid-19 infections that remain active even after the health emergency is lifted. It is crucial to take these measures to ensure that the pandemic does not resurge and that vulnerable groups are adequately protected. The WHO’s announcement serves as a reminder that Covid-19 remains a significant global health threat, and it is essential to continue taking precautions to prevent its spread.
