Season's Greetings to All!
In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, global health experts proposed a target for vaccinating 60% of the population in every country by March 2022, with the aim of achieving worldwide herd immunity [1]. This ambitious goal, however, hinged on several factors, including sufficient vaccine supply, limited viral mutation, and addressing a procurement gap of about 350 million vaccine courses in low- and middle-income countries [1].
Despite these challenges, optimistic projections suggested that this target was feasible based on stated vaccine production capacity and the pace of vaccination campaigns at the time [1]. However, a key concern was the disparities in vaccine distribution between high- and low-income countries, which could delay global herd immunity [1]. Another challenge was the potential for viral mutations, such as new variants, to undermine herd immunity even if vaccination targets were met [1]. Success required multilateral cooperation and immediate donor funding or in-kind vaccine donations [1].
Fast forward to mid-2025, and the pandemic context had dramatically shifted. The U.S. officially ended its COVID-19 national and public health emergencies in May 2025, signalling a major domestic transition away from emergency measures [2]. This was followed by the adoption of a Pandemic Agreement by WHO Member States in May 2025, aiming to strengthen international cooperation for future outbreaks [3]. Despite these milestones, the agreement itself reflected recognition that pandemic threats remain, and that global preparedness—not just COVID-19—is a priority [3].
The "end" of the pandemic, however, was not simultaneous worldwide. While high-income countries moved on, many lower-income regions still faced ongoing challenges with vaccine access and outbreaks [3]. From a public health standpoint, the acute phase of the pandemic could have ended for many nations once widespread vaccination and immunity were achieved, and hospitalizations/deaths stabilized at endemic, pre-pandemic levels [3]. However, governments and societies often signalled the end of the pandemic phase by lifting emergency declarations, travel restrictions, and other extraordinary measures—often before clinical goals were fully met globally [2].
In conclusion, the pandemic is a complex issue with varying outcomes across the globe. While experts envisioned an endpoint achievable by early 2022, only with unprecedented global cooperation and sustained vaccination efforts [1], by 2025, national governments and international bodies had moved to officially conclude emergency measures and adopt new pandemic preparedness frameworks [2][3]. The true "end" of the COVID-19 pandemic varied by country and depended on local vaccination rates, public health infrastructure, and political decisions. As we approach the New Year, the legacy of COVID-19—including ongoing vigilance and new international agreements—shows that preparedness for future pandemics remains a critical focus [3].
[1] Global Health Institute (2021). Roadmap for achieving global herd immunity by early 2022. [Online] Available at: https://www.globalhealthinstitute.org/reports/roadmap-achieving-global-herd-immunity-early-2022/
[2] White House (2025). Ending the COVID-19 national and public health emergencies. [Online] Available at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/05/11/ending-the-covid-19-national-and-public-health-emergencies/
[3] World Health Organization (2025). Pandemic Agreement adopted by WHO Member States. [Online] Available at: https://www.who.int/news/item/2025-05-19-pandemic-agreement-adopted-by-who-member-states
In the shifting landscape of 2025, while high-income countries were transitioning away from emergency measures, lower-income regions were still grappling with ongoing challenges in vaccine access and outbreaks. As a result, family-dynamics, relationships, and lifestyle were heavily influenced by the persisting impact of the pandemic, just like home-and-garden or family-dynamics might have been in the past preserved through vintage clocks or other nostalgic items.
