The World Health Organisation has released its first comprehensive plan for managing coronavirus disease threats, which includes COVID-19, MERS, and any future outbreaks. The new plan represents a change from emergency reaction to long-term, integrated management. It builds on lessons learnt from five years of COVID-19 and previous research on MERS and other respiratory diseases. The strategy guides countries in taking coordinated, long-term activities within larger infectious-disease systems.
Coronaviruses have repeatedly triggered global health crises, including SARS in 2002, MERS in 2012, and COVID-19 in 2019. COVID-19’s influence has subsided, yet the virus continues to spread. High-risk populations remain vulnerable. Post-COVID problems continue in approximately 6% of infected patients, with 15% experiencing symptoms for more than a year. Several regions have reported increased SARS-CoV-2 activity, and the future virus evolution remains uncertain.
Dr Maria Van Kerkhove stated that coronaviruses continue to pose significant global concerns and emphasised the importance of incorporating their management into larger respiratory disease strategies. The proposal reflects wide consultations with governments, technical experts, and communities.
To improve surveillance, WHO expanded its Coronavirus Network, which now includes 45 reference laboratories in the human, animal, and environmental health sectors. CoViNet complements the existing influenza surveillance system by allowing for global monitoring.
