Five Years After COVID-19 Pandemic: Global Reflection and Future Preparedness

As the world marks five years since the declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic by the WHO on March 11, 2020, reflections on its profound impact are prevalent. Over 7 million lives have been lost globally, and while the virus continues to circulate, the availability of vaccines has significantly reduced hospitalizations and deaths. However, long COVID remains a critical concern, affecting an estimated 400 million people worldwide. Experts emphasize the need for better preparedness for future pandemics, citing lessons learned from the COVID response, particularly in areas like surveillance and outbreak management. Mexico's handling of the crisis has drawn criticism for its lack of effective measures, illustrating the global struggle with pandemic preparedness. Overall, the pandemic has reshaped societal norms and highlighted the importance of ongoing vigilance against potential health emergencies.