The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is a global health crisis caused by the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This novel virus was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and rapidly evolved into a worldwide pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the interconnectedness of the modern world and the need for global cooperation in addressing health emergencies. While vaccines have offered hope for controlling the virus's spread, the pandemic's full impact will continue to shape societies and policies for years to come.