Thread by @angeliquedeberg

COVID-19 is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Does this mean the pandemic is over? 🧵
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The WHO has lifted “PHEIC” status for COVID-19, but insists the disease continues to pose a global threat. What is PHEIC?
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What is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)? It is a declaration made by @WHO under the International Health Regulations (IHR) to address an extraordinary event that poses a significant risk to public health across multiple countries. #PHEIC 3/

It serves as a signal for increased global attention and resources to address the specific health emergency. The declaration provides a framework for international cooperation, information sharing, and support to affected countries
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It is time-limited and can be extended or lifted based on evolving circumstances and assessments made by the WHO
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So, Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC):
* Declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) under the International Health Regulations (IHR)
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* Signifies an extraordinary event that poses a public health risk to multiple countries and requires a coordinated international response
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* Typically declared for outbreaks or incidents of diseases or health conditions with the potential to spread internationally and impact public health
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* Provides a framework for global cooperation, coordination, and support to affected countries
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* Can be declared for a specific period and may be extended or lifted based on evolving circumstances
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Now, what is pandemic?
A pandemic refers to the global spread of a infectious disease, affecting a large number of people across multiple countries or continents.
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It signifies sustained human-to-human transmission of the disease on a worldwide scale. The declaration of a pandemic does not have a direct relationship with the PHEIC declaration.
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It is typically made by the WHO when a disease is spreading widely and causing significant illness and societal impact
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The key distinction is that a PANDEMIC represents the geographic spread and impact of a disease, while a PHEIC declaration focuses on the international response and coordination efforts to address a specific health emergency
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It is possible for a disease to be declared a PHEIC without meeting the criteria for a pandemic, and vice versa
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So, PANDEMIC:

* Refers to the global spread of a new or novel infectious disease affecting a large number of people across multiple countries or continents.

* Indicates sustained human-to-human transmission of the disease on a worldwide scale
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* Characterized by a significant impact on public health, healthcare systems, and societal functioning
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* Involves widespread efforts to control and mitigate the disease's spread, including measures such as travel restrictions, social distancing, and mass vaccinations
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* May result in significant morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic disruptions
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It's important to note that a PHEIC declaration can be made during a pandemic if the specific criteria outlined by the WHO are met
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Pandemics and PHEICs are distinct but interconnected concepts related to global health emergencies
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The end of a PHEIC declaration does not automatically indicate the end of a pandemic. Pandemics can have long-lasting effects and continue to impact populations even after the initial outbreak phase
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The decision to declare the end of a pandemic is based on multiple factors, including the reduction in transmission rates, widespread availability of effective treatments and vaccines, and assessment of the overall global situation by health authorities and organisations
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So the pandemic is not over yet.
I strongly urge both scientists and medics and journalists to get the message right. This will help everyone to build a sustainable response to SARS-CoV2
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@threadreaderapp unroll please