The WHO Director-General has the pleasure of transmitting theReport of the fifteenth meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005)(IHR) Emergency Committee regarding the coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19)pandemic, held on Thursday 4 May 2023, from 12:00 to 17:00 CET.

During the deliberative session, the Committee membershighlighted the decreasing trend in COVID-19  deaths, the decline inCOVID-19 related hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions, and thehigh levels of population immunity to SARS-CoV-2. The Committee’s position hasbeen evolving over the last several months. Whileacknowledging the remaining uncertainties posted by potential evolution ofSARS-CoV-2, they advised that it is time to transition to long-term managementof the COVID-19 pandemic.

The WHO Director-General concurswith the advice offered by the Committee regarding the ongoing COVID-19pandemic. He determines that COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing healthissue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of internationalconcern (PHEIC).