Is the COVID-19 pandemic still a public health emergency of international concern?
The next CSR emergency committee on COVID-19 will meet in January 2023 to reconsider the matter.
YES. While the Emergency Committee acknowledged the progress in epidemic control in many countries as well as the high levels of immunity, it noted that reasons for concern remained. These include the high number of cases and deaths, the unpredictable evolution of the virus, the sources of undervaccination among those most at risk and the unequal access to treatment.
Consequently, in their last meeting; In October 2022, the Emergency Committee communicated that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Dr Tedros, WHO director-general, accepted their recommendation.
Committee priority recommendations:
-Integrated and strengthened surveillance of the disease
-Vaccination of high-risk groups
-The continuation of pandemic preparedness efforts.
last statement of emergency committee
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