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WHO Launches Long-Term Strategy for coronavirus Disease Management
The World Health Association (WHO) has unveiled a new, unified strategic plan to address ongoing and future threats from coronaviruses, including COVID-19 and MERS-CoV, as well as potential emerging strains. This plan marks a significant shift from emergency response to sustained, integrated management of these diseases.
Developed over the past five years, informed by experiences with COVID-19, MERS, and other respiratory illnesses, the “Strategic plan for coronavirus disease threat management: advancing integration, sustainability, and equity, 2025-2030” provides guidance to national health authorities and partners for a coordinated approach within broader infectious disease control efforts.
Coronaviruses have repeatedly demonstrated their pandemic potential, beginning with SARS in 2002, followed by MERS-CoV in 2012, and most recently, SARS-CoV-2 in 2019. While the acute global impact of COVID-19 has lessened, the virus continues to circulate, causing serious illness and death, particularly in vulnerable populations. A substantial proportion of those infected – approximately 6% – experience long-term health issues known as Post COVID-19 Condition (or long COVID), with 15% of those individuals reporting symptoms persisting for over a year. Recent increases in SARS-CoV-2 activity in several regions,coupled with ongoing uncertainties regarding viral evolution and long-term health consequences,underscore the need for continued vigilance.
“Coronaviruses represent a continuing and significant infectious disease threat,” stated Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO Acting Director for Epidemic and Pandemic Management.”Integrating their management into existing respiratory disease and broader infectious threat programs, including those for influenza, is crucial. WHO encourages all Member States to utilize the strategic directions outlined in this plan to build robust health systems capable of managing current challenges and preparing for future outbreaks.”
The plan builds upon previous COVID-19 preparedness and response strategies and was created through a collaborative process involving WHO Member States, regional and country offices, technical partners, and public input, ensuring it reflects diverse global needs and realities.
The strategy addresses both routine disease management and emergency preparedness, allowing national systems to respond effectively to known coronaviruses and prepare for the emergence of novel strains with pandemic potential.
To bolster global monitoring efforts, the WHO has expanded its Coronavirus Network (CoViNet).This network now comprises 45 national reference laboratories spanning human, animal, and environmental health sectors - an increase of 11 labs added in 2025 - dedicated to surveillance of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and other emerging coronaviruses. CoViNet works in conjunction with the WHO’s established Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS), which includes SARS-CoV-2 in its sentinel surveillance activities.
