Events
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September 07, 2015
Lusaka Hosts Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Capacity Building Workshop on Ending Child Marriage and other Harmful Traditional Practices in Africa
Lusaka, Zambia, 07 September 2015–A five-day workshop to build the capacity of African Union Member States to end Child Marriage kicked off today Monday 7 September 2015 in Lusaka, Zambia.
Description: Description: C:\Documents and Settings\YambouE\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\NWTKJRBE\IMG_1700.jpeg
The workshop organised by African Union Commission in conjunction with UNFPA, UNICEF, Inter-African Committee and the African Child Policy Forum, under theme; "Ending Child Marriage and other harmful traditional practices in Africa - Mechanisms and Strategies, is being attended by experts from Regional Economic Communities, Member States and regional based Civil Society Organizations.The workshop will feature among others theoretical presentations on the linkages of harmful traditional practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation, the role of stakeholders and the effect of traditional and religious practices of child marriage on Africa’s socio-economic development.
In his welcome remarks, the Zambian Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs, Dr Joseph Katema M.P., expressed appreciation for the commitment shown by the African Union Member States towards the AU Campaign to End Child Marriage in Africa, noting that 'as concerned Africans, we are obliged to ensure that girls remain girls, not brides and enjoy their childhood manifested in education, play, good health and participation in social and cultural endeavors that are appropriate and relevant to their development'. The Minister charged all workshop participants to maximize the opportunity in coming up mechanisms and strategies that will reflect the noble cause of ending child marriage and other harmful traditional practices within the broader agenda of safe-guarding the life of children, especially the girl child.
On behalf of the African Union Commission, Dr Johan Strijdom thanked the Government of Zambia for accepting to host the Regional Capacity Building Workshop stating that 'the Republic of Zambia offers evidence toward the commitment of African governments in ensuring that resolutions are instituted nationally as well as at a community level'. In a contemporary culture, where social volatility is a common occurrence, child marriage has become a dominant subject for debate. There needs to be continuous efforts to discover new directions in eradicating the practice and enhancing the prospects grounded in gender and development. Dr Strijdom affirmed that, “Girls and women have the right to live free from violence and discrimination and achieve their potential but are prevented due to being forced into child marriage.”
A key component of the African Union Campaign to End Child Marriage in Africa is to enhance the capacity of Member States Experts, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Civil Society Organizations(CSOs) in dealing with the harmful practice of child marriage, thus making them suitable or better equipped to design and manage development plans in which social and economic policies and strategies are fully interfaced to deliver the kinds of transformative outcomes desired in ending child marriage and other harmful traditional practices affecting children in Africa.
Child Marriage has negative effects on the girl, her family, the nation and the whole world and large. These girls are also exposed to a number of health disadvantages such as the risks of contracting HIV/AIDS, the risk of cervical cancer, pregnancy and child bearing complications and even death. These and other effects as well as how to better work towards ending them is what the series of regional based workshops seeks to address.
About the AU Campaign to End Child Marriage in Africa
The campaign was launched at the continental level in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 29 May 2014, during the Conference of Ministers of Social Development. It aims at ending child marriage by: (i) supporting legal and policy actions in the protection and promotion of human rights, (ii) mobilizing continental awareness of the negative socio-economic impact of child marriage, (iii) building social movement and social mobilization at the grassroots and national levels; and (iv) increasing the capacity of non-state actors to undertake evidence based policy advocacy including the role of youth leadership through new media technology, monitoring and evaluation among others.
KO/EAT
Media contact
Ms. Nena Thundu; THUNDUN@africa-union.org
Mr. Kenneth Oliko; Kennetho@africa-union.org
pages.au.int/cecm| www.facebook.com/OurGirlsAfrika| www.twitter.com/ourgirlsau
For further information, please contact:
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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September 07, 2015
Lusaka Hosts Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Capacity Building Workshop on Ending Child Marriage and other Harmful Traditional Practices in Africa
Lusaka, Zambia, 07 September 2015–A five-day workshop to build the capacity of African Union Member States to end Child Marriage kicked off today Monday 7 September 2015 in Lusaka, Zambia.
The workshop organised by African Union Commission in conjunction with UNFPA, UNICEF, Inter-African Committee and the African Child Policy Forum, under theme; "Ending Child Marriage and other harmful traditional practices in Africa - Mechanisms and Strategies, is being attended by experts from Regional Economic Communities, Member States and regional based Civil Society Organizations.
The workshop will feature among others theoretical presentations on the linkages of harmful traditional practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation, the role of stakeholders and the effect of traditional and religious practices of child marriage on Africa’s socio-economic development.
In his welcome remarks, the Zambian Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs, Dr Joseph Katema M.P., expressed appreciation for the commitment shown by the African Union Member States towards the AU Campaign to End Child Marriage in Africa, noting that 'as concerned Africans, we are obliged to ensure that girls remain girls, not brides and enjoy their childhood manifested in education, play, good health and participation in social and cultural endeavors that are appropriate and relevant to their development'. The Minister charged all workshop participants to maximize the opportunity in coming up mechanisms and strategies that will reflect the noble cause of ending child marriage and other harmful traditional practices within the broader agenda of safe-guarding the life of children, especially the girl child.
On behalf of the African Union Commission, Dr Johan Strijdom thanked the Government of Zambia for accepting to host the Regional Capacity Building Workshop stating that 'the Republic of Zambia offers evidence toward the
Directorate of Information and Communication. African Union Commissioncommitment of African governments in ensuring that resolutions are instituted nationally as well as at a community level'. In a contemporary culture, where social volatility is a common occurrence, child marriage has become a dominant subject for debate. There needs to be continuous efforts to discover new directions in eradicating the practice and enhancing the prospects grounded in gender and development. Dr Strijdom affirmed that, “Girls and women have the right to live free from violence and discrimination and achieve their potential but are prevented due to being forced into child marriage.”
A key component of the African Union Campaign to End Child Marriage in Africa is to enhance the capacity of Member States Experts, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Civil Society Organizations(CSOs) in dealing with the harmful practice of child marriage, thus making them suitable or better equipped to design and manage development plans in which social and economic policies and strategies are fully interfaced to deliver the kinds of transformative outcomes desired in ending child marriage and other harmful traditional practices affecting children in Africa.
Child Marriage has negative effects on the girl, her family, the nation and the whole world and large. These girls are also exposed to a number of health disadvantages such as the risks of contracting HIV/AIDS, the risk of cervical cancer, pregnancy and child bearing complications and even death. These and other effects as well as how to better work towards ending them is what the series of regional based workshops seeks to address.
About the AU Campaign to End Child Marriage in AfricaThe campaign was launched at the continental level in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 29 May 2014, during the Conference of Ministers of Social Development. It aims at ending child marriage by: (i) supporting legal and policy actions in the protection and promotion of human rights, (ii) mobilizing continental awareness of the negative socio-economic impact of child marriage, (iii) building social movement and social mobilization at the grassroots and national levels; and (iv) increasing the capacity of non-state actors to undertake evidence based policy advocacy including the role of youth leadership through new media technology, monitoring and evaluation among others.
KO/EATMedia contact
Ms. Nena Thundu; THUNDUN@africa-union.org
Mr. Kenneth Oliko; Kennetho@africa-union.org
pages.au.int/cecm| www.facebook.com/OurGirlsAfrika| www.twitter.com/ourgirlsauFor further information, please contact:
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | EthiopiaFollow us
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion
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Learn more at: http://www.au.int -
September 07, 2015 to September 11, 2015
African Union Regional Capacity Building Training On Ending Child Marriage and other Harmful Traditional Practices (HTPs)
7 – 11 Sept. 2015 | Lusaka, Zambia -
September 04, 2015 to September 19, 2015
Africa reaffirms its commitment to promote unity through sports as the first African Games under the ownership of the African Union ended in Brazzaville
Brazzaville, Congo, 21 September 2015. The 11th edition of the African Games officially ended on 19th September 2015 after 15 days of intense competition at the Kintele Stadium and sporting Complex in Brazzaville, Congo. The African Union Commission honored the closing ceremony of the Games with the presence of a delegation headed by the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E Erastus Mwencha accompanied by the Commissioner for Human resources, Science and Technology, H.E Dr. Martial de Paul Ikounga. The ceremony, presided over by H.E Denis Sassou Nguesso, was attended by some Heads of State and Government as well as high ranking officials from African countries.
The colorful closing ceremony was an occasion to display the rich and diverse African culture as well as its dynamism and potential. The participants had an opportunity to visualize the aspiration 5 of Agenda 2063 aiming to create “An Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, values and ethics”. Indeed different performances by African artists described a continent relying on the values of community, hard work and mutual respect and ready to take charge of its own destiny. Brazzaville, cradle of the African Olympic spirit, successfully hosted the 11th edition of African Games, after the organization of the very first edition in 1965, 50 years ago.
During the closing ceremony the Minister of Sports of Congo and President of the organizing committee, Mr. Leon Opimba handed over the AU flag to the AUC Deputy Chairperson, H.E Erastus Mwencha, as the AU is the owner of the African Games and the institution implementing the decision of the African Union Executive Council establishing the new architecture for Sports in Africa and approving the dissolution of the Supreme Council for Sport in Africa (SCSA). The integrated functions of the SCSA including the ownership, coordination and organization of the African Games were transferred to the African Union in January 2012.
Mr. Opimba commended the fair play spirit of the African youth during the competition and expressed his gratitude to the African Union for its leadership and constructive collaboration. He pointed out the fact that sport is a catalyst towards bringing the African people together and a driver for peace on the continent. He also highlighted that the 11th edition of the African Games was a window of opportunity to show the ability of Africa to host important sporting events.
This 11th edition brought together 8000 athletes competing in 22 sporting disciplines, 1000 officials and 1000 journalists to celebrate Pan-Africanism and African solidarity The next edition will take place in 2019.
About the African games
African Games is a Pan-African multidisciplinary sports event which gathered African Union member states every 4 four years to promote African unity and solidarity through sports. The celebration of the Africanness on the continent through sports started in 1960 marked by the organization of the first Friendship Games held in Madagascar. However, the Friendship Games was reserved exclusively to French-speaking countries.
In order to correct involve all African countries in the games, a conference of African Sports Ministers recommended the organization of games involving all African countries. The Decision facilitated the participation of several English-speaking countries during the 1963 Friendship Games, held in Dakar. This was without a doubt a major triggering factor in the hosting of an event on a continental scale. And in the end, it was Brazzaville who hosted the first African Games from 18 to 25 July, 1965 with the participation of 30 countries, competing in 10 sporting disciplines. JL/wzm
Further media inquiries should be directed to:
Jerry Laurence Lemogo |Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | E-mail: Laurencej@africa-union.org | Web: www.au.int | Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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September 03, 2015
Second Bureau Meeting Focuses on Strengthening the Interface between Youth Culture and Sport
3 September 2015- The Second Bureau Meeting of the Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Youth, Culture and Sport took place today, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in the Republic of Congo’s capital, Brazzaville.
Among the guests present at the meeting were: The African Union Commissioner for Social Affairs H.E Dr. Mustafa Sidiki Kaloko; Youth and Civic Education Minister of the Republic of Congo H.E Anatole Collinet Makosso; the State Minister and Chief of Staff of the President Mr. Firmin Ayessa and African Union Commissioner of Human Resources, Science and Technology H.E Dr. Martial De Paul Ikounga.
The main objectives of the meeting included: An endorsement of the request to host the sub-committee on sport; review the progress on the implementation of decisions of the first meeting on youth, culture and sport; and discuss the proposed theme, date and venue for the Second Session of the Specialized Technical Committee Meeting on Youth, Culture and Sport.
A common sentiment shared by all the speakers was Africa’s need to empower the youth and foster a spirit of unity. Mr Makosso spoke on the importance of culture and sport to the development of youth. He also encouraged investing in and creating sustainable initiatives, so that the dividends would go towards developing young people.
AU Commissioner of Human Resources Science and Technology Dr Martial de Paul Ikounga described sport as a unifying factor. “We should work to ensure sport continues to unite people”, he said. Recalling African success at the recently ended the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) world championships athletics held in Beijing, Dr. Ikounga said: “We are happy that Kenya has demonstrated that Africa is on the way to actualizing its dreams.” Commissioner Ikounga also recalled that Africa’s development path is well mapped out in the continental Agenda 2063 Framework. “We don’t need to make another agenda”, he said.
While the continent is acknowledged for fostering some of the world’s top talents, some challenges still need to be addressed. There is a need to create sustainable solutions to problems that the youth face, which include unemployment and having a favorable business environment across Africa. These were the views expressed by State Minister and Chief of Staff of the President Mr Firmin Ayessa at the meeting.
The State Minister also reminded the guests that the youth are waiting for answers on three fronts: investment, opportunities and capacity building. He also touched on the Invention and Innovation meeting, which takes place every two years, as an opportunity for the youth to showcase their work and talents.
Today’s meeting took place against the backdrop of the 11th edition of the Africa Games which are due to be officially opened by Congolese President Mr Denis Sassou Nguesso on 4 September in Brazzaville, an occasion which will be attended by African Union Commission Chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. The games this year also mark 50 years since the country hosted the first ever African Games in 1965. JO/WZM
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August 24, 2015
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August 24, 2015ASEOWA DEPLOYED VOLUNTEERS STATISTICS
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August 02, 2015The Republic of Zimbabwe Launches AU Campaign to End Child Marriage in AfricaPRESS RELEASE
The Republic of Zimbabwe Launches AU Campaign to End Child Marriage in Africa
"Child molesters, pedophiles, and rapists should not be allowed to get away with lenient sentences such as community service. Child marriage is a tragedy for the girl child, her unborn children and her country's development"
Harare, Zimbabwe, 31 July 2015 – “We have a crisis on our hands. The UN estimates that 15 million girls experience child marriage each year. That is more than the entire population of Zimbabwe. We must move from vulnerability to voice and leadership. Africa is young and full of innovation. This energy must be harnessed to ensure that we have lasting solutions", said Ms. Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, the AU Goodwill Ambassador on Ending Child Marriage in Africa at the national launch of the AU Campaign to End Child Marriage in Africa which held at the Harare International Conference Centre, under the theme "We are Girls not Brides".
Child marriage predominantly affects girls who live in poor and rural communities. The likelihood of girls being married off as children, stems largely from the lack of education and poverty. Zimbabwe has one of the highest rates of child marriage in Africa; with about 31% of Zimbabwean girls being married before their 18th birthday and another 4% before they turn 15.
Speaking at the launch, His Excellency, Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, the AU Commissioner for Social Affairs noted that the launch of the AU Campaign to End Child Marriage in Zimbabwe comes at a time when H.E. Cde Robert Mugabe is the sitting Chairperson of the African Union and furthers His Excellency's commitment not just to the theme of the African Union for 2015, i.e. Year of Women Empowerment and Development towards Agenda 2063, but also to issues affecting women and girls across the continent. This has also been evidenced in the way His Excellency was able to galvanize other Heads of States into adopting the African Common Position on Ending Child Marriage during the June 2015 Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government.
The Republic of Zimbabwe is the 8th African Nation to launch the AU Campaign following national launches in Ethiopia, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Uganda. The Zimbabwean launch of the campaign also comes at a critical time when the country was recently under the global lens following a statement by Prosecutor-General Mr. Johannes Tomana on the age of sexual consent. This sparked a public outcry and accentuated the need for a nationwide campaign that tackles the harmful practice of child marriage with the focus of highlighting the consequences of allowing the perpetuation of the practice.
In her keynote address, Zimbabwe’s First Lady, Dr. Grace Mugabe called on all Zimbabwean daughters to fight against the sentencing of girls to a lifetime of violation. She pleaded with girls not to be threatened into being married off but to strive for a better life; making education their first love. The First Lady also called on the Ministry of Justice to harmonize all laws on the age of marriage to 18 years as stipulated by the constitution and apply stiffer penalties and sentencing of violators. "Child molesters, pedophiles, and rapists should not be allowed to get away with lenient sentences such as community service. Child marriage is a tragedy for the girl child, her unborn children and her country's development", she affirmed. Dr. Mugabe also received the petition of the child parliamentarians and called on all Cabinet Ministers to jointly work towards a national action plan on ending child marriage in Zimbabwe.
The event was attended by the Zimbabwean Senate President, Hon. Edna Madzongwe, the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Advocate Jacob Mudenda, Members of Senate and Parliament, Cabinet Ministers who all joined their voices to calling for an end to child marriages. Speaking on behalf of the UN agencies, the Resident Coordinator and Country Director for UNICEF, Mr Reza Hossani called on all stakeholders to reject social norms and break the cultural silence that continues to hide these violations of the rights of vulnerable children.
About the AU Campaign to End Child Marriage in Africa
The campaign was launched at the continental level in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 29 May 2014, during the Conference of Ministers of Social Development. It aims at ending child marriage by: (i) supporting legal and policy actions in the protection and promotion of human rights, (ii) mobilizing continental awareness of the negative socio-economic impact of child marriage, (iii) building social movement and social mobilization at the grassroots and national levels; and (iv) increasing the capacity of non-state actors to undertake evidence based policy advocacy including the role of youth leadership through new media technology, monitoring and evaluation among others.
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For further information, please contact
Ms. Nena Thundu; THUNDUN@africa-union.org
Mr. Kenneth Oliko; Kennetho@africa-union.org
pages.au.int/cecm | www.facebook.com/OurGirlsAfrika| www.twitter.com/ourgirlsau
Directorate of Information and Communication
Directorate of Information and Communication | Information and Communication | African Union Commission
Tel: +251-11-5517700 | Fax: | E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.intAddis Ababa | Ethiopia
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August 02, 2015
PRESS RELEASE
The Republic of Zimbabwe Launches AU Campaign to End Child Marriage in Africa
"Child molesters, pedophiles, and rapists should not be allowed to get away with lenient sentences such as community service. Child marriage is a tragedy for the girl child, her unborn children and her country's development"
Harare, Zimbabwe, 31 July 2015 – “We have a crisis on our hands. The UN estimates that 15 million girls experience child marriage each year. That is more than the entire population of Zimbabwe. We must move from vulnerability to voice and leadership. Africa is young and full of innovation. This energy must be harnessed to ensure that we have lasting solutions", said Ms. Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, the AU Goodwill Ambassador on Ending Child Marriage in Africa at the national launch of the AU Campaign to End Child Marriage in Africa which held at the Harare International Conference Centre, under the theme "We are Girls not Brides".
Child marriage predominantly affects girls who live in poor and rural communities. The likelihood of girls being married off as children, stems largely from the lack of education and poverty. Zimbabwe has one of the highest rates of child marriage in Africa; with about 31% of Zimbabwean girls being married before their 18th birthday and another 4% before they turn 15.
Speaking at the launch, His Excellency, Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, the AU Commissioner for Social Affairs noted that the launch of the AU Campaign to End Child Marriage in Zimbabwe comes at a time when H.E. Cde Robert Mugabe is the sitting Chairperson of the African Union and furthers His Excellency's commitment not just to the theme of the African Union for 2015, i.e. Year of Women Empowerment and Development towards Agenda 2063, but also to issues affecting women and girls across the continent. This has also been evidenced in the way His Excellency was able to galvanize other Heads of States into adopting the African Common Position on Ending Child Marriage during the June 2015 Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government.
The Republic of Zimbabwe is the 8th African Nation to launch the AU Campaign following national launches in Ethiopia, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Uganda. The Zimbabwean launch of the campaign also comes at a critical time when the country was recently under the global lens following a statement by Prosecutor-General Mr. Johannes Tomana on the age of sexual consent. This sparked a public outcry and accentuated the need for a nationwide campaign that tackles the harmful practice of child marriage with the focus of highlighting the consequences of allowing the perpetuation of the practice.
In her keynote address, Zimbabwe’s First Lady, Dr. Grace Mugabe called on all Zimbabwean daughters to fight against the sentencing of girls to a lifetime of violation. She pleaded with girls not to be threatened into being married off but to strive for a better life; making education their first love. The First Lady also called on the Ministry of Justice to harmonize all laws on the age of marriage to 18 years as stipulated by the constitution and apply stiffer penalties and sentencing of violators. "Child molesters, pedophiles, and rapists should not be allowed to get away with lenient sentences such as community service. Child marriage is a tragedy for the girl child, her unborn children and her country's development", she affirmed. Dr. Mugabe also received the petition of the child parliamentarians and called on all Cabinet Ministers to jointly work towards a national action plan on ending child marriage in Zimbabwe.
The event was attended by the Zimbabwean Senate President, Hon. Edna Madzongwe, the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Advocate Jacob Mudenda, Members of Senate and Parliament, Cabinet Ministers who all joined their voices to calling for an end to child marriages. Speaking on behalf of the UN agencies, the Resident Coordinator and Country Director for UNICEF, Mr Reza Hossani called on all stakeholders to reject social norms and break the cultural silence that continues to hide these violations of the rights of vulnerable children.
About the AU Campaign to End Child Marriage in Africa
The campaign was launched at the continental level in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 29 May 2014, during the Conference of Ministers of Social Development. It aims at ending child marriage by: (i) supporting legal and policy actions in the protection and promotion of human rights, (ii) mobilizing continental awareness of the negative socio-economic impact of child marriage, (iii) building social movement and social mobilization at the grassroots and national levels; and (iv) increasing the capacity of non-state actors to undertake evidence based policy advocacy including the role of youth leadership through new media technology, monitoring and evaluation among others.
End ###
For further information, please contact
Ms. Nena Thundu; THUNDUN@africa-union.org
Mr. Kenneth Oliko; Kennetho@africa-union.org
pages.au.int/cecm | www.facebook.com/OurGirlsAfrika| www.twitter.com/ourgirlsau
Directorate of Information and Communication
Directorate of Information and Communication | Information and Communication | African Union Commission
Tel: +251-11-5517700 | Fax: | E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.intAddis Ababa | Ethiopia
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July 21, 2015Ministerial meeting adopts Statute of the Africa CDC Urges fast tracking of the establishment of the continental...
Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, 20 July 2015- African Union Ministers of Health meeting in Malabo adopted the Statute of the Africa CDC and urged the fast tracking of the establishment of the institution. The Statute of the African CDC establishes the Africa CDC as a specialised technical institution charged with the responsibility to promote the prevention and control of diseases in Africa.
“We must do everything possible to establish an Africa CDC that is robust and capable enough to conduct lifesaving research on priority health problems” said His Excellency, Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, the Commissioner for Social Affairs of the African Union Commission. “It should serve as a platform to share knowledge and build capacity in responding to public health emergencies and threats” he added.
Responding to public health emergencies and threats
The Africa CDC will provide strategic direction and promote public health practice within Member States through capacity building, promotion of continuous quality improvement in the delivery of public health services. It will also work on the prevention of public health emergencies and threats. Member States will maintain national-level ownership on disease control and prevention simultaneously through an advisory role in the shaping of Africa CDC priorities. In the event of a public health emergency on the continent with cross border or regional implications, the Africa CDC is mandated to deploy responders, in consultation with affected Member States to confirm and/or contain the emergency.
Regional Collaborating Centres
Regional Collaborating Centres will be selected in the regional communities to support the Africa CDC. The collaboration and support of these centres is to ultimately bring into reality an Africa CDC that supports the continent at the point of need. Each centre represents an existing government entity that has met set criteria.
Cooperation with Member States, WHO and key stakeholders
The Africa CDC will work with ministries of health and agencies dealing with disease control and prevention. It will pursue closer collaboration with WHO to build capacity in countries, deploy experts for rapid response teams and establish links in emergency operations centres. The AU Commission and WHO are developing a framework for collaboration to guide their support to countries.
The Africa CDC will maintain working ties with development partners and stakeholders, particularly Regional Health Organisations, Regional Economic Communities, the private sector, civil society organisations and various organs of the African Union.
The recent Ebola epidemic provided further impetus for a continental and global rethink of the existing health emergency response architecture for disease control and prevention. The key lesson from the Ebola epidemic is that there must be better preparedness for global health threats. There is thus work at various levels to streamline governance of the continental and global health systems. This starts with providing full support for countries to comply with core capacities of International Health Regulations (2005) that improve countries ability to detect, assess, notify and respond to public health threats.
For further information and media inquiries contact
Molalet Tsedeke | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission I Phone +251115517700 | E-mail: molalett@africa-union.org | Web www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
Tawanda Chisango |AIDS Watch Africa (AWA) Program Advocacy & Partnership Expert | Social Affairs | African Union Commission I Mobile +251934167052 | E-mail: Chisangot@africa-union.org | Web www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
About the African Union
The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. AU Vision: to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient and responsive Commission. Learn more at: http://www.au.int/en/
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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July 20, 201514 lessons to prepare for future health emergencies from AU Support to the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa
Malabo, 20 July 2015- Ahead of the AU summit where leaders are expected to pledge more support to the Ebola response and recovery efforts, health and foreign affairs ministers, discussed the immediate needs of the affected countries. Countries shared experiences and lessons learnt in health systems strengthening and financing in the context of the Ebola fight.
“This meeting is an important opportunity to share experiences in the fight against Ebola and to provide concrete assistance to our brothers and sisters on their irreversible path to recovery and reconstruction” said Hon. Dr. Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of the Executive Council of the African Union.
The African Union Support to the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA) mounted an effective response that deployed 850 volunteer health workers from AU Member States. This was a game changer that helped stem the tide of the epidemic.
Key lessons from Africa helping Africa in the Ebola response
African Union’s political clout
ASEOWA anchored on African Union's political leverage, continental reach and networks in the region and beyond. Technical expertise came from many Member States, regional groupings, development partners and affected countries.
Quick humanitarian emergency response
The decision to deploy was taken by the African Union Peace and Security Council within 24 hours of the African Union Permanent Representatives Council being briefed. An assessment team was on the ground within 10 days of the decision to form ASEOWA. Within less than a month, ASEOWA teams were on the ground at the peak of the crisis. Once the surge was decided in November 2014, it took less than one month to have 850 health workers in the three worst affected countries.
Effective coordination at various levels
To streamline operations ASEOWA coordinated the operation at both continental and affected countries level. It leveraged on expertise of various countries and partners and harmonised coordination between medical, logistics and other emergency response capabilities.
Private sector collaboration
The African private sector provided the single largest financial contribution to the AU's Ebola response. It also made available its assets and resource mobilisation expertise.
International solidarity
With the African Union taking a leadership position the international community provided significant financial and technical support including response infrastructure.
Competent leadership
The mission leadership was a mix of expertise in combating previous Ebola responses, leading complex operations across Africa and humanitarian emergencies.
Diverse range of specialist cadres
The ASEOWA volunteers included doctors, nurses, epidemiologists, lab scientists and technicians, public health officers, social workers, psycho-social experts, community mobilisers, public and communication for development experts and survivors.
Hot zone training
ASEOWA teams trained thousands of Health Care Workers in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone in hot zone management and community mobilisation. Its specialists supported and assisted foreign medical teams from Cuba and China.
Field positioning
Epidemiologists recruited from the African Field Epidemiology Network were deployed along the borders. ASEOWA medics managed emergency treatment units in the three countries.
Cost effectiveness and building local capacities
ASEOWA deployed 850 health workers from several African countries, and recruited more than 4,000 local volunteers, including survivors, to work all over the affected region at a cost that was only a fraction of what other aid interventions cost.
Applying local solutions to local problems
ASEOWA teams worked with survivors, with local communities and national structures to provide solutions that worked.
Responding to local priorities
ASEOWA was flexible enough to deploy its teams to where they were needed the most, and to support the people's priorities.
Pan African solidarity
In the spirit of Africa helping Africans, various countries seconded their health workers to assist in the response.
Looking into the future
The African Union and partners are strengthening their capacities to respond to emergencies and disasters. The ASEOWA response provides a working model for emergency response in Africa. The way Africa came together to respond to the Ebola crisis strengthens its common positioning on other development planning and priorities.
For further information contact
Mr. Molalet Tsedeke | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | Phone +251911630631| E-mail: molalett@africa-union.org | Web www.au.int | Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
Mr. Tawanda Chisango | Social Affairs | African Union Commission | Mobile +251934167052 | E-mail: Chisangot@africa-union.org | Web www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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July 20, 2015 to July 21, 2015INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AFRICA’S FIGHT AGAINST EBOLA “Africa helping Africans in the Ebola Recovery and...
PRESS RELEASE NO. 170/2015
African leaders urge additional support to Ebola response and recovery efforts
Malabo, 21 July 2015- African leaders meeting for an Ebola conference in Malabo Tuesday urged for additional support to get to zero Ebola and support recovery efforts for the affected countries. Areas of assistance from Member States and key partners that were announced include strengthening health systems of affected countries, in particular human resources for health, training and capacity building, resuscitation of the health infrastructure and investment in public health.
“We need to continue developing various support mechanisms in order to address the effects of the epidemic” said His Excellency, President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe who is the Chairperson of the African Union. “This current outbreak has created a profound and long-lasting socio-economic impact which requires financial and other material support to the three countries, so as to enable them to respond to their future health needs” he added.
Ebola brought about overwhelming challenges in almost every aspect of life in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. Health systems almost collapsed and the economies contracted and projected growth declined from 4.5% to 1.3% in Guinea, 11.3% to 6% in Sierra Leone and 5.9 % to 0.4% in Liberia.
“As we move from emergency situation to stabilisation, all three countries are implementing a robust social and economic recovery programme in response to the consequences of the disease and to ensure greater resilience” said H.E. Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
The recovery programme which is multi-layered seeks to address health, water, sanitation and hygiene; governance, peace and security; agriculture, fisheries and food security; gender, youth and social protection; programme management and monitoring, and private sector development. It also focuses on sub-regional roads, energy access and information and communication technology. The programme requires an estimated USD 4.75 billion to cover the economic and financial cost of the epidemic. The funding gap currently stands at approximately USD 3.93 billion dollars.
The meeting appealed to African Union Member States and partners to contribute towards gaps in human resources needs. More than 500 health professionals of different disciplines are required. Member States were encouraged to contribute through secondments of health professionals, as well as training of local health professionals. Member States were further urged to support disease surveillance, detection and response in the three countries through the Africa Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC), WHO and other stakeholders complementing one another and ensuring effectiveness.
“We need to secure concrete support for the full establishment and operationalisation of the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC), which will be a major step in ensuring greater preparedness and resilience in tackling similar epidemics on the continent” said H.E Erastus Mwencha, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
Additional support that will be provided by Member States and partners includes health infrastructure, equipment, medicines and supplies. The refurbishment of existing clinics, hospitals, laboratories and construction of new facilities remain a key priority. The provision of critical medical equipment, sustainable medicine and supplies and bridging the short and medium term financial gaps through financial contributions remains at the crux of achieving zero Ebola. Already during the meeting some countries announced an additional immediate support of USD5.5 million dollars while others will announce contributions in due course.
The African Medicines Regulatory Harmonisation as part of the implementation of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa will facilitate ethical clearance and oversight for clinical trials of new therapies, vaccines and health technologies. It will also create platforms for public awareness, information and knowledge exchange and peer review.
The commission was requested to conduct a multi-dimensional and comprehensive Ebola response and to review the AU humanitarian policy and ensure that the capacities built through ASEOWA are utilised as the core of the Africa Health Emergency Response. Member States called for direct budget support to the affected countries and for the cancellation of the affected sub-region’s debt that stands at $3.16 billion.
For further information contact
Mr. Molalet Tsedeke | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | Phone +251911630631| E-mail: molalett@africa-union.org | Web www.au.int | Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
Mr. Tawanda Chisango | Social Affairs | African Union Commission | Mobile +251934167052 | E-mail: Chisangot@africa-union.org | Web www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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