CORONAVIRUS INFECTIONS Daily reported DATA MONTHLY SUMMARY EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ALERTS
On 4 May 2023, the WHO Director-General concurred with the advice offered by the IHR Emergency Committee regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
However, COVID-19 still represents a global health threat. We should not let down our guard, is important to keep vaccinating vulnerable groups and strengthen surveillance. It is also time to focus on preparing better for future emergencies and rebuilding better for a healthier and sustainable future. View WHO statement
WHO Member States agreed to establish an Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) to draft and negotiate a new convention, agreement, or other international health instrument to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The instrument is expected to help ensure that health personnel worldwide are better equipped for the next pandemic, and that the production and distribution of vaccines and other medical products is more equitable. It also aims to ensure effective early detection and response measures against potential pandemic pathogens, and to improve the response capabilities of health, laboratory and research services, among other objectives.
This Member State-led process is facilitated through the Working Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (WGIHR), which runs in parallel to the INB.
PAHO has convened two Regional meetings to to ensure that the most relevant national authorities are adequately informed regarding the INB and WGIHR key components, documents, deliberations, expected results, and to offer Member States elements for a meaningful participation in both processes.
As the specialized health agency for the Americas and the Regional Office of the World Health Organization, PAHO provided essential leadership, coordination, and assistance to fight the spread of COVID-19, save lives, and protect the most vulnerable population groups -including health workers- in all 51 countries and territories of the Region.
Read this 2-page document highlighting key findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
This external evaluation is an objective and independent assessment of PAHO’s overall performance during the response, from January 2020 to August 2022. The report provides information on key achievements, on the enabling and limiting factors, gaps and lessons that have emerged from PAHO’s response to COVID-19 pandemic, which serve to inform preparedness for and response to future public health emergencies.
Full Report: Volume 1 Volume 2
View also: 2022 Mid-year Summary Report by PAHO.
The prolonged COVID-19 crisis exacerbated pre-existing vulnerabilities and worsened cumulative humanitarian needs throughout the Region, fueling some of the main drivers of internal displacement and migration. PAHO’s Health Emergencies Appeal 2023 highlights the regional priorities of the Organization to support the protection of communities and populations affected by acute, prolonged, and protracted health emergencies throughout the Americas, starting with individuals in situations of vulnerability.
View also: Appeal April 2022 - March 2023
Important: PAHO/WHO has stopped collecting country and subnational-level COVID-19 data as of 1 August 2023 and therefore our dashboard will no longer be updated. Public health officers and the international community will continue to be informed through the Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses bulletin and dashboards available here.
Comparison and interpretation of subsequent COVID-19 data should be consulted with the Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses technical area.