March 11 marked five years since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. The virus changed daily life around the world, affecting health, economies, and education.
COVID-19 first appeared in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. It spread quickly, leading to lockdowns, travel restrictions, and overwhelmed hospitals. Governments introduced vaccines in late 2020, which helped slow the rate of infections. By 2022, many countries had begun returning to normal, but the pandemic’s impact remained.
More than 7 million people worldwide have died from COVID-19, according to WHO data. Millions more had faced job losses, mental health struggles, and disruptions to learning. Schools had closed, and students had studied online. Some countries still felt the effects years later.
On this anniversary, experts reminded people to stay prepared. Governments have continued monitoring new variants and encouraged vaccinations over the years. While life has improved, the lessons of COVID-19 remain important. Many hope that in the future, the world will respond to health crises more quickly and effectively.