A panel of global health experts is set to meet to discuss whether COVID-19 still qualifies as a global emergency under the World Health Organization’s (WHO) rules. This decision could have far-reaching implications for global funding and collaboration efforts.
The WHO first declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on January 30, 2020, and has continued to apply the label every three months. However, as more countries roll out vaccination programs and experience a decrease in cases, some countries like the United States have started lifting their domestic states of emergency.
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WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has expressed his hope to end the international emergency this year, but there is no consensus yet on which way the panel may rule. A final decision by Tedros based on the panel’s advice is expected in the coming days.
While some experts believe that it is time to move to living with COVID-19 as an ongoing health threat like HIV or tuberculosis, others caution against prematurely ending the emergency status. They fear that it could lead to a resurgence of cases, especially with new variants emerging.
“It is possible that the emergency may end, but it is critical to communicate that COVID-19 remains a complex public health challenge,” said Professor Marion Koopmans, a Dutch virologist who is on the WHO panel.
Lawrence Gostin, a law professor at Georgetown University in the United States who follows the WHO, said that “all emergencies must come to an end.” However, he added that the decision should not be taken lightly, as it could impact global funding or collaboration efforts.
If the panel decides to lift the PHEIC label, it could mean that some countries may reduce their funding for COVID-19 response efforts. Additionally, it could affect global collaboration on vaccine distribution and research on new variants of the virus.
While the world may be eager to move past the COVID-19 emergency, experts caution that the decision should not be rushed. It is critical to continue to communicate the importance of maintaining public health measures and being prepared for any potential resurgence of cases. As Professor Koopmans emphasized, “COVID-19 remains a complex public health challenge.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Wednesday (Apr 26) that COVID-19 deaths have dropped by a staggering 95% since the start of the year. This comes as a relief to many as the world continues to battle the pandemic, with over 2.9 million deaths reported globally.
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While this news is certainly promising, the WHO warns that the virus is still very much a threat and has not disappeared entirely. COVID-19 is here to stay, and countries will have to learn to manage its ongoing effects, including post-COVID-19 condition, also known as long COVID.
The WHO chief also highlighted how the pandemic disrupted vaccination programs, with an estimated 67 million children missing out on at least one essential jab between 2019 and 2021. As a result, vaccination rates are back to where they were in 2008, leading to rising outbreaks of measles, diphtheria, polio, and yellow fever.
To combat this, the WHO is urging all countries to address the barriers to immunization, whether it’s access, availability, cost, or disinformation. It’s crucial to overcome these obstacles to ensure everyone has equal access to vaccines, as vaccines are the key to eradicating deadly diseases.
Despite the progress made in reducing COVID-19 deaths, there is still much work to be done. The WHO has stressed the importance of continuing to follow public health measures, such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and washing hands frequently.
The virus is still on the move, and new variants are emerging, making it critical to continue tracking and monitoring the situation. This is especially important in regions where vaccination rates are low, as the virus can continue to spread and mutate, leading to the emergence of new variants.
In conclusion, while the drop in COVID-19 deaths is undoubtedly good news, the fight against the pandemic is far from over. It’s important to continue following public health guidelines, ramp up vaccination efforts, and address the barriers to immunization to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other deadly diseases.
