Covid-19 / W HO Says Global Health Emergency Over

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has tweeted with great hope: “I declare Covid-19 over as a global health emergency.” He made the tweet on May 5, 2023 after receiving a statement from the 15th meeting of the International Health Regulation (IHR) Emergency Committee regarding the Coronavirus 2019 disease (Covid-19) pandemic. 
During the deliberative session, the Committee members highlighted 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. The Committee’s position has been evolving over the last several months. While acknowledging the remaining uncertainties created 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 has determined that Covid-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
The WHO Director General will convene an IHR Review Committee to advise on standing recommendations for the long-term management of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, taking into account the 2023-2025 Covid-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan. The Director General has also expressed gratitude to the Chair, the Members, and the Advisors of the Committee for their engagement and advice during the last three years.
During the transition, WHO ...