Perspectives for Better Health: prepare for exiting severe phase of COVID-19 pandemic

On 5th May 2023, World Health Organization declared that COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health emergency of international concern, and various governments are closing their healthcare facilities, meticulously prepared for the world’s worst pandemic. However, the question arises of how to exit the severe phase of this pandemic responsibly. The present communication discusses the follies of being under-prepared in tackling COVID-19, particularly by the economically weaker nations, and it also outlines the necessary steps that are now needed for better management of future pandemics, with international co-operation of the developed and developing countries. More attention is needed to address the paradox of digital access in excess, but of little technical use, particularly in emergencies like that of the recent viral pandemic. If the scientific analyses of  the healthcare issues been carried out correctly, their predictions and strategies supported by authentic big data, managing the pandemic could have been better. Still, it is not late and expertise developed recently can help the future generations. On the individual front, mass education, awareness of hygiene, and understanding and application of basic science, particularly in rural areas is, needed to be safer rather than depend on traditional beliefs and expect miracles, a system prevalent in developing countries.