The International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) Emergency Committee announced on 4th May 2023 that the COVID-19 pandemic is no more a "public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC)." 

On the 15th meeting, the Committee considered the following: Increasing herd immunity, vaccination, better case management, and consistently low virulence of the circulating strains of COVID-19 renders it not under the PHEIC category. 

The Surveillance and vaccination equity gaps remain and require attention. 

The "2023-2025 COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan" focus on it as an ongoing health issue and directs attention from emergency to long-term management.