The Mt Kenya Times 
By: Paula O.M.Otukile
Gaborone, Botswana
COVID-19 NO LONGER A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY OF INTERNATIONAL CONCERN
The Ministry of Health wishes to inform members of the public that COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health emergency of international concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) determined and declared on 5 May 2023 that COVID-19 will now be treated as an established and an ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This determination means that COVID-19 is no longer an extraordinary event nor is it a public health risk to other states through international spread. The determination also means that COVID-19 no longer requires a coordinated international response.
As may now be of common understanding, this determination comes on the backdrop of declining COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in Botswana and globally. Botswana had actually de-escalated COVID-19 response activities over the past six (6) months and has reduced measures and protocols put in place to mitigate the spread of the disease. This gradual deactivation of COVID-19 activities was guided by the continued risk assessments undertaken to guide the extent of the de-escalation.
Given the foregoing, COVID-19 will now be treated as an existing, continuous health problem globally. In Botswana, this therefore means that all COVID-19 activities will be integrated into routine health services. The Ministry of Health will however, continue monitoring the situation and advise the public as may be necessary when such a need arises. The ministry further wishes to advise the public that this development does not mean that COVID-19 has been eradicated. They should remain vigilant and always take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and others against COVID-19.
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