Words by Tess Becker
After nearly three years COVID has officially ended as a global health emergency according to the WHO. After reaching a peak of 100,000 deaths per week in January 2021 it sunk to just over 3500 in April.
Many people were lost in the pandemic but thanks to a mix of health measures and a quickly developed vaccine, COVID is nowhere near the threat it was. According to the WHO, 13 billion doses have been given, allowing many people to be protected from serious illness and death.
“The Emergency Committee met for the 15th time and recommended to me that I declare an end to the public health emergency of international concern. I've accepted that advice. It is therefore with great hope that I declare Covid-19 over as a global health emergency,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
The decision to end the COVID global health emergency was one with a lot of thought behind it wanting to avoid rushing the designation.
The WHO gave a long list of things to look out for as COVID designations wind down to be aware of any future flare-ups of the disease.
“The worst thing any country can 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,” Dr. Tedros added.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Path Home. This organization helps families facing homelessness in Portland, Oregon. Find out more and support them here.
Hope South Florida. They help people affected by homelessness across the tri-county South Florida. Find out more.
National Coalition for the Homeless. They aid homeless people around the country through their many branches. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing.
