The global outbreak of novel coronavirus (nCoV) disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in late 2019 and spread rapidly, leading to tens of millions of deaths, overwhelming healthcare systems, and disrupting societies and economies. Effective response to future pandemics will require adaptable public health and economic measures, strengthened global surveillance and healthcare infrastructure, and equitable access to healthcare resources and services.

The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the fragility of food systems, as border closures and trade restrictions have impeded production, causing millions of people to lose their livelihoods, while leaving others vulnerable to hunger as breadwinners are forced to work from home or abandon their fields. This article provides an overview of the most recent updates on the status of the pandemic and its impact.