13. The COVID-19 Global Pandemic (2020-2023)
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, began in December 2019 and led to a global health crisis (who.int). The World Health Organization declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, 2020, and a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The pandemic resulted in widespread illness and death, prompting unprecedented public health measures worldwide.
In response, scientists and pharmaceutical companies developed multiple vaccines at an accelerated pace, leading to mass vaccination campaigns globally. The pandemic also transformed daily life, with significant shifts toward remote work, online education, and changes in social interactions. As of May 2023, the WHO Emergency Committee on COVID-19 recommended that the disease no longer fit the definition of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, acknowledging its ongoing presence but indicating a shift in its global impact. (who.int)
