Thursday marks five years since the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern.

There are concerns about global preparations for infectious diseases after US President Donald Trump announced his country's withdrawal from the WHO.

The UN health body declared the coronavirus emergency on January 30, 2020.

Its count shows that more than 777 million cases and over 7 million deaths have been confirmed worldwide.

The emergency was lifted in May 2023. Countries now deal with the coronavirus through their regular medical systems. They also continue to monitor for new variants.

Trump signed an executive order to leave the WHO on January 20, the day he took office.

The US is the largest donor to the global health agency, which plays a key role in international responses against infectious diseases. The WHO could run into financial difficulties without funding from the US.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus quickly told the agency's staff to take cost-saving measures.

They include prioritizing activities for reduced resources, freezing recruitment in principle and cutting travel expenses by holding meetings online.

Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing at the WHO to conclude a pandemic treaty. The proposed pact draws lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and includes measures to support developing countries.
But the health body says negotiations will have to be suspended following Trump's order.

The WHO said in a statement last week that it hopes the US will reconsider and looks forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain their partnership.