Five Years of COVID-19: Bosnia and Herzegovina's Path from Crisis to Resilience

(Patria) - The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) a global pandemic five years ago, on March 11, 2020, marking the beginning of a global health crisis.

The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina declared a state of natural and other disaster a few days later, on March 17, in response to the rapid spread of the virus, leading to a series of extraordinary measures aimed at protecting public health.

The first confirmed case of coronavirus disease was recorded on March 5, 2020, in a patient from Banja Luka, and the first death as a result of the virus was recorded on March 21, 2020, in Bihać. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, as of February 23, 2025, a total of 404,259 cases of coronavirus disease and 16,414 deaths have been registered.

Globally, the coronavirus first appeared in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and quickly spread to all parts of the world. By the time the WHO declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020, more than 118,000 cases and 4,291 deaths had been recorded worldwide. The WHO officially declared the end of the pandemic on May 5, 2023, lifting the global health emergency status.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina played a key role in the national response to the pandemic.

Key efforts included coordinating the procurement of medical equipment and vaccines, as well as ensuring the stability of the health system. Through the COVAX mechanism, donations, the EU4Health program, and direct procurement, Bosnia and Herzegovina secured 4,352,200 doses of coronavirus vaccines by January 11, 2023.

A total of 959,417 people, or approximately 28.18 percent of the population, received the vaccine, which was a crucial step in slowing the spread of the virus. These statistics do not include individuals vaccinated abroad.

Additionally, the Ministry of Civil Affairs secured more than 70,000 doses of essential medicines to combat coronavirus disease from the start of the pandemic in 2020 until August 25, 2022, helping hospitals and healthcare workers have the tools needed to save lives.

Public health campaigns were also conducted to promote vaccination and inform citizens about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. These efforts, combined with the tireless work of healthcare workers and the commitment of the public, were key in reducing the impact of coronavirus disease.

The pandemic changed the course of history, affecting all aspects of society from health systems to economies to daily life. Measures such as border closures, movement restrictions, mandatory mask-wearing, and social distancing were the norm for months, reshaping the world. The lasting impact, even after the declaration of the end of the pandemic, continues to shape public health policies and the response to future health emergencies.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as other competent health authorities in BiH, remain committed to strengthening their health system, improving public health, and building a more resilient society in the future.