Four years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the coronavirus disease, COVID-19, a pandemic.
Initially identified in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, the virus quickly spread across continents, defying borders and disrupting lives.
The declaration of a pandemic by the WHO on March 11, 2020, served as a clarion call for global action, prompting countries to implement strict measures to curb its transmission and lessen the impact of the virus.
In the early stages of the pandemic, the world contended with a shortage of medical supplies, overwhelmed healthcare systems, and a race against time to develop effective vaccines.
Lockdowns, travel restrictions, and social distancing became the norm, reshaping daily life and economies worldwide.
Despite the challenges, the global response to COVID-19 showcased collaboration and innovation.
Scientists and researchers worked tirelessly to unravel the mysteries of the virus, leading to the rapid development and deployment of multiple vaccines which include Moderna, BioNTech, Gamaleya, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines among others.
As vaccination campaigns gained momentum, hope emerged on the horizon, offering a pathway out of the pandemic.
The journey towards recovery has been faced with setbacks, including the emergence of new variants, vaccine hesitancy, and unequal access to vaccines among nations.
Nevertheless, after 3 years, the WHO Director-General Tedron Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that COVID-19 ceases to be a pandemic on May 5th, 2023 after a committee meeting.
