Covid-19: a major turning point in the global fight against the virus reached

The Covid-19 pandemic has plunged the world into an era of fear, uncertainty and upheaval. However, after years of fierce struggle, strict health measures and personal sacrifices, a glimmer of hope is beginning to emerge. Global health experts are seriously considering declaring the end of Covid-19; as a public health emergency. This long-awaited announcement would mark a major turning point in the battle against the virus that has turned the world upside down.

This pandemic, which lasted three and a half years, caused 765,222,932 positive cases worldwide and nearly 7 million deaths.

In Guinea, more than 38,662 people tested positive for Covid-19 during the last years of the epidemic, resulting in 807 deaths. “To date, Guinea has 4,749,089 people considered immunized, that is to say fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which represents coverage of 35.8%.» according to Dr Sory Condé, head of the surveillance department of the National Health Security Agency (ANSS).

The virus not completely defeated

This declaration of the end of Covid-19 as a public health emergency of international concern does not mean that Covid-19 has disappeared as a threat to global health. This is why the members of the emergency committee are convinced that it is possible for WHO to produce worrying messages to the attention of Member States and the public, in order to emphasize that the transition from the status of a public health emergency of international concern to another status should not be interpreted as a signal to let down its guard, but rather as a strong signal to progress towards a higher level of organization.“It is essential to understand that the virus continues to circulate and that WHO Member States must maintain epidemiological surveillance, strengthen the achievements of the response and continue vaccination. The COVAX mechanism continues to support countries thanks to the funding available from GAVI, without forgetting the importance of raising public awareness and the effective involvement of the media in this risk communication and community engagement effort.underlined the representative of the World Health Organization in Guinea, Dr Jean-Marie Kipela.

WHO will also continue to support the Guinean government, through the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, in adopting an integrated approach to prevention and response to Covid-19, strengthening surveillance through the implementation of SIMR and routinizing Covid-19 vaccination through the Expanded Immunization Program.

The declaration of the end of Covid-19 as a public health emergency represents a crucial moment in the fight against this global pandemic. Although the figures for positive cases and deaths are alarming, it is encouraging that significant progress has been made thanks to health measures, vaccination campaigns and international coordination.

Vigilance by all is necessary

It is therefore clear that this declaration of the end of Covid-19 as a public health emergency is a step forward, but we must remain vigilant and continue to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of all.

Fanta BARRY