Six years ago, the Director-General of the World Health Organization sounded the highest global alarm available under international law at the time, declaring the outbreak of a new coronavirus disease (later known as COVID-19) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). While the PHEIC was declared over in May 2023, the impact of COVID-19 remains etched in our collective memory – and continues to be felt worldwide.

As we cross this six-year mark, WHO asks countries and partners, just as we ask ourselves: Is the world better prepared for the next pandemic?

The answer is yes and no.

Yes, in many ways, the world is better prepared because meaningful, concrete steps have been taken to strengthen preparedness.

However, at the same time, no, because the progress made is fragile and uneven, and more still needs to be done to keep humanity safe.