Five Years On: COVID-19’s Lingering Impact

Five years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus continues to infect and claim lives worldwide, albeit at significantly reduced levels compared to its peak.

The Global Toll

Since December 2019, over 777 million COVID-19 cases and more than seven million deaths have been officially reported, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). However, the actual numbers are likely far higher.

The pandemic strained healthcare systems, disrupted economies, and forced populations into lockdowns across the globe.

By late 2022, infection and mortality rates declined due to widespread immunity from vaccines and prior infections, as well as the virus’s evolution into less severe forms.

In May 2023, the WHO declared the pandemic’s emergency phase over, marking its transition into an endemic status with periodic resurgences akin to seasonal flu.

A Persistent Presence

Despite its reduced prevalence, COVID-19 remains a significant concern. WHO pandemic preparedness director Maria Van Kerkhove recently remarked, “The world wants to forget this pathogen, but it’s still with us. Many prefer to put COVID-19 behind them as if it’s over.”

From October to November 2024, over 3,000 deaths were recorded across 27 countries, underscoring the virus’s continued impact. Notably, more than 95% of COVID-19 fatalities occurred between 2020 and 2022.

Variants and Mutations

Since the emergence of the Omicron variant in late 2021, its subvariants have dominated globally.

The current prevalent strain, Omicron KP.3.1.1, is accompanied by the rising XEC variant, which the WHO monitors but considers a low global health risk.

While recent subvariants have not been significantly more severe, experts caution against complacency, noting the potential for more transmissible or deadly strains in the future.

Vaccination Efforts

COVID-19 vaccines, developed at unprecedented speed, have been pivotal in curbing the virus’s spread.

To date, over 13.6 billion doses have been administered globally. However, vaccine distribution has been marred by inequities, with wealthier nations initially monopolizing supplies.

Yet, booster uptake has been alarmingly low; among healthcare workers, rates dropped below 1% in 2024, according to the WHO.

The Challenge of Long COVID

Millions worldwide continue to grapple with long COVID, a poorly understood condition marked by symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and respiratory issues.

The WHO estimates that around 6% of those infected develop long COVID, which poses ongoing challenges for healthcare systems.

No definitive tests or treatments exist, and repeated infections may heighten the risk.

Preparing for Future Pandemics

Experts warn that another pandemic is inevitable, urging global preparedness.

The spotlight has recently shifted to bird flu (H5N1) following a human fatality in Louisiana.

While no evidence of human-to-human transmission exists, the incident highlights the need for vigilance.

Efforts to negotiate a global pandemic treaty remain stalled ahead of a May 2025 deadline.

Key disagreements persist between wealthier nations and low-income countries over equitable access to resources in future crises.

Lessons from COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has also fueled vaccine skepticism and misinformation.

Concerns have been raised about the implications of vaccine critic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the incoming U.S. health secretary under President-elect Donald Trump, overseeing responses to potential pandemic threats.

While the world strives to move past COVID-19, its lessons remain crucial for confronting future health crises and ensuring global resilience.