Geneva: The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the need for global preparedness in the face of future pandemics, marking the end of three years of grappling with the Covid crisis.

In his year-end message, Tedros acknowledged that 2023 had been a pivotal year in addressing major health challenges but also highlighted the "immense and avoidable suffering" it brought. While declaring the end of the Covid-19 international public health emergency in May, he stressed the importance of learning from the challenges faced during the pandemic.

Tedros called for increased humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip and urged nations to come together for a "monumental" pandemic accord to address gaps in preparedness exposed by the Covid-19 crisis.

The WHO lifted the international emergency on smallpox in May 2023 after ten months. Additionally, Tedros noted the approval of new vaccines for malaria, dengue, and meningitis. Azerbaijan, Belize, and Tajikistan were also declared malaria-free during the year.

The Director-General highlighted the impact of climate change on health, emphasizing its prominence at COP28, the recent UN climate conference.

Despite progress, Tedros acknowledged 2023 as a year of considerable suffering and health threats. He condemned the "barbaric" Hamas attacks on Israel, followed by a devastating assault on Gaza, resulting in significant casualties. Tedros called for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the insufficient relief efforts in meeting the needs of the people in Gaza.

The resurgence of cholera, with over 40 outbreaks globally, raised concerns, according to Tedros.

As the WHO concluded its 75th year, Tedros underscored the remaining gaps in global readiness for emergency preparedness and response. Looking ahead to 2024, he sees a unique opportunity for countries to negotiate the first-ever global agreement on pandemic threats—the pandemic accord aims to enhance global collaboration, cooperation, and equity in addressing future health crises.