Five years since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the virus continues to infect and kill people worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports 777 million cases and over seven million deaths since December 2019. However, experts believe the true toll is higher.
The pandemic has had a devastating impact on health systems, economies, and populations globally. Infections and death rates decreased in the second half of 2022 due to growing immunity from vaccinations or prior infection. The virus has also mutated to become less severe.
In May 2023, the WHO declared the emergency phase of the pandemic over. However, experts say the virus has gradually become endemic, with occasional resurgences similar to the flu. The WHO is still monitoring the situation and warns that future strains could be more transmissible or deadly.
Vaccines were developed quickly and have been a powerful tool against Covid-19. Over 13.6 billion doses have been administered worldwide. However, unequal distribution of early doses has created issues. Booster shots are recommended for at-risk groups, but the WHO reports low uptake rates among healthcare workers.
Long Covid affects millions of people, with symptoms like tiredness and shortness of breath. The condition continues to pose a burden on health systems.
Scientists warn that another pandemic will likely occur, urging the world to learn from Covid-19 and prepare for future threats. A treaty on pandemic prevention and response is being negotiated by the WHO’s member states, but an agreement remains elusive ahead of a May deadline.
The Covid-19 pandemic also led to increased scepticism and misinformation about vaccines. Experts are concerned that the new US administration may not be prepared for a potential pandemic threat due to vaccine sceptic appointments.
Source: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/forgotten-but-not-gone-covid-keeps-killing-five-years-on-7425284