WHO Marks Five Years Since the Start of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The World Health Organization (WHO) marked a somber milestone this week, recalling that five years ago, on Dec. 31, 2019, its Country Office in China identified an initial media statement from the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission reporting cases of “viral pneumonia.” This discovery set in motion a global response to a pandemic that would profoundly alter lives, economies, and health systems worldwide.  

The WHO activated its emergency systems on Jan. 1st, 2020, and issued its first public alert just days later, on Jan. 4, 2020, as reported by the organization. By mid-January, the organization had published its first set of comprehensive guidance for member countries and coordinated with global partners to develop a blueprint for SARS-CoV-2 laboratory testing. From those early days, the WHO’s role centered on convening experts, analyzing evolving data, and disseminating critical information to support national responses.  

“All along, we convened experts and ministries of health from around the world, gathered and analyzed data, and shared what was reported, what we learned and what it meant for people” wrote Tedros Adhanom, General Director, WHO, on X.

In its reflection, the WHO highlighted the tireless efforts of health workers who faced immense challenges on the frontlines, the millions of lives lost, and the ongoing struggles of those affected by long COVID. The latter has led to ongoing pulmonary and neurological issues, such as reduced respiratory capacity, cerebrovascular events, and cerebral calcifications. These complications highlight the importance of early intervention and targeted therapies, explained Jhali Hernández, Co-Founder, Otium Physiotherapy and Wellness, to MBN. 

Central to its ongoing work, the WHO renewed its call for China to share comprehensive data and allow access to further study the origins of the virus. Adhanom underscored the significance of this effort, describing it as a moral and scientific imperative. Without greater transparency and international cooperation, the global community risks being ill-prepared for future pandemics, added Adhanom.

The organization also questioned whether the world is better equipped now to address similar crises. While advancements have been made in vaccine development and emergency response frameworks, disparities in access to resources and persistent gaps in health infrastructure remain areas of concern. 

In Mexico, for example, one of the primary challenges contributing to gaps in healthcare is system fragmentation. This occurs when public, private, and specialized sectors fail to collaborate effectively, leading to inefficiencies and disruptions in patient care. "System fragmentation is a significant challenge. To improve healthcare in Mexico, we need a coordinated approach that streamlines care delivery across all sectors," said Jorge Meléndez, Director General, INMEGEN.