Covid-19 no longer a global health emergency – WHO

Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced on Friday.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said as much, addressing the media.

“Yesterday, the emergency committee met for the 15th time and recommended to me that I declare an end to the public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice,” he stated.

And the WHO further said, “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 world has made significant and impressive global progress since the declaration of the PHEIC in January 2020. Reaching the point where COVID-19 can be considered as no longer constituting a PHEIC should be seen as accolade to international coordination and commitment to global health.”

The virus has not disappeared however, and billions remain unvaccinated.

“States Parties should maintain efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage for all people in the high-priority groups (as defined by the SAGE Roadmap of April 2023) with WHO recommended vaccines and continue to actively address vaccine acceptance and demand issues with communities..” the WHO said.