The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that after 3 years and an estimated 6.9 million deaths around the globe, that it no longer considers COVID-19 as a global emergency.
The end of the #COVID19 global health emergency is a moment for reflection. The painful lessons we have learned, the investments we have made, and the capacity we have built must be transformed into meaningful and lasting change. pic.twitter.com/feGmaRhAa5
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) May 6, 2023
The decision was taken on May 4, with WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus telling press that the pandemic killed “at least 20 million people”, just over triple the officially-recorded number of deaths.
Despite the decision, Tedros warned that this does not mean the danger is over, continuing to appeal for caution and vigilance if the emergency status were to change.
“The worst thing any country could do now is to use this news as a reason to let down its guard, to dismantle the systems it has built, or to send the message to its people that COVID-19 is nothing to worry about,” the WHO boss stated.
In light of this news, Malta’s health minister Chris Fearne took the opportunity to share his thoughts and sentiments with the 835 persons who lost their lives in Malta “and the thousands of healthcare workers who worked tirelessly to protect our health.”
#MaltaDaily