The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General announced that COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue that no longer constitutes a PHEIC.
The committee members noted the decreasing trend in COVID-19 deaths, the decline in COVID-19-related hospitalisations and intensive care unit admissions, and the high levels of population immunity to SARS-CoV-2.
However, they acknowledged that the potential evolution of the virus poses remaining uncertainties.
The WHO’s declaration signifies a transition from a focus on emergency response to long-term management, with a renewed emphasis on preparedness and response planning.