The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has expressed cautious optimism about the trajectory of the COVID-19 crisis, suggesting that the world could declare an end to the acute phase of the epidemic within the current year. He credited the leadership and teamwork of many figures in public health, noting that the hard-won progress in vaccines, treatments, and surveillance has been the result of sustained effort across nations and organizations. In a formal presentation, he acknowledged the many contributions that helped shape modern healthcare responses and emphasized that this moment, while hopeful, should be treated as a milestone in a broader, ongoing effort to strengthen health systems and prevent future shocks to global health. His remarks reflect a recognition of the strides made since the early days of the outbreak and the importance of honoring the dedicated work of researchers, clinicians, and policymakers who have guided responses around the world, with lessons that extend far beyond a single disease outbreak.
