The World Health Organization has kept international emergencies on the radar, focusing on covid-19 responses that began in 2020 and mpox concerns that emerged in 2022. In a recent briefing, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus indicated the crises might ease in the coming year, signaling cautious optimism about a shift away from formal emergency status as the world continues to adapt.
He noted a remarkable change in the trajectory of the pandemic by comparing current figures to a year ago. The pace of severe outcomes driven by the Omicron variant has slowed, with weekly deaths having fallen from around 50,000 to fewer than 10,000 in the most recent reports. While this represents a meaningful improvement, he stressed that the disease is not over and that vigilance remains essential as nations navigate ongoing health challenges.
According to Tedros, the virus that causes covid-19 is unlikely to disappear entirely. Instead, it is expected to persist as part of the global respiratory landscape. Countries will need to manage it alongside other illnesses such as the seasonal flu, integrating it into broader health systems and preparedness plans rather than treating it as an isolated crisis.
Despite the positive trend, the director-general emphasized that progress has not erased the need for strong public health measures. The world has made substantial gains in vaccination, treatment options, and overall population immunity, achieved through both vaccination programs and natural exposure. These tools have reshaped how societies respond to the virus and have improved outcomes when infections occur.
He urged continued focus on protecting high-risk groups, including older adults and other vulnerable populations, highlighting that ongoing international collaboration is essential for reducing severe disease and deaths. The aim is to maintain gains while ensuring equitable access to vaccines, therapies, and preventive measures across all regions.
The criteria for determining when covid-19 ceases to be an international emergency will be reviewed at the upcoming expert committee session in January. Tedros has chaired quarterly assessments since the pandemic’s outset to monitor the virus’s evolution and the effectiveness of global responses. That ongoing monitoring remains a cornerstone of the organization’s approach as new information becomes available.
While the situation around both covid-19 and mpox has shown improvement in case numbers, the World Health Organization cautions that the global health landscape still faces significant challenges. Beyond these recent developments, outbreaks such as cholera have reappeared in several countries, including Haiti, with related mortality highlighting the fragility of public health systems in vulnerable settings. The organization continues to monitor these patterns and to support member states in strengthening surveillance, water and sanitation infrastructure, and rapid clinical care where needed.
Looking ahead to 2023, the WHO underscored reasons for cautious optimism paired with a prudent focus on risk. There remains much to address in disease control, health equity, and preparedness. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to guiding member states toward a safer, healthier future, leveraging scientific insight, strong guidance, and collaborative action to reduce harm and improve resilience among populations worldwide.