Events & Activities

Event

Cuba Sending 165 Medical Personnel to Tackle Ebola

6 October 2014

CUBA SENDING 165 MEDICAL PERSONNEL TO TACKLE EBOLA

Monrovia, Liberia –6 October 2014- The Cuban government is sending 165 health workers to help tackle the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, among them 63 doctors and 102 nurses, epidemiologists, specialists in infection control, intensive care specialists and social mobilization officers, who will travel to Sierra Leone in October and stay for six months.

A statement issued by the Cuban embassy in Addis Ababa says the Cuban Minister of Health of Cuba, Dr. Roberto Morales, explained that all the members of the brigade that will be sent to Sierra Leona, have previously participated in responses to natural disasters or epidemics, as well as medical collaboration missions, with some 23% having joined more than one internationalist effort.

In Africa to date, 76,744 health care providers have offered their services in 39 countries. Currently, 4,048 heath workers, including 2,269 doctors, are collaborating in 32 countries. Cuba is present today in 66 countries, with 50,731 health workers, of whom 64.6% are women and 25, 412 are doctors. WZM

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Wurie Bah|| Social Affairs | African Union Commission |Tel: +251115182227| E-mail: Bahw@africa-union.org | Web: www.au.int|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 peacewith 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/

Event

African Union Commissioner Meets with the President of the Republic of Liberia H

6 October 2014

Press Release Nº258/2014

African Union Commissioner Meets with the President of the Republic of Liberia H.E Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in Monrovia

Monrovia, Liberia –6 October 2014: The African Union Commissioner for Social Affairs H. E. Dr. Mustapha SidikiKaloko, accompanied by the Head of Mission of the African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA) Dr Julius Oketta and AU Representatives to Liberia and Sierra Leone Ambassador Harrison Solaja, on Saturday 4 October 2014 briefed the President of the Republic of Liberia H.E Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf on the African Union interventions in the fight against Ebola. The Commissioner told the President that his visit was to support the implementation of various decisions of the African Union that led to the deployment of a team of health experts to Liberia with the aim of complementing the efforts of the Government of Liberia and other partners in the fight against Ebola. He further explained steps being taken by the AU Commission to get Member States to rescind travel restrictions imposed on the affected countries. He emphasized the urgent need to open all borders to ease the humanitarian difficulties by ensuring the unhindered movements of people, including health personnel, commodities and food supplies to the three countries.

In response, President Johnson-Sirleaf expressed appreciation with the role the AU is playing under the leadership of the African Union Commission Chairperson, HE Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma in the fight against Ebola. She welcomed the deployment of AU medical team and AU decisions that called upon Member States to lift travel restrictions imposed on the affected countries. The President underlined the need for proper coordination among all humanitarian actors on the ground and pointed out that her Government has put in place proper structures to facilitate the coordination of the exercise. “With effective collaboration, Ebola will be a thing of the past” President optimistically told the AU delegation.

Commissioner Kaloko also met and briefed the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General (SRSG) to the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), the UN Resident Coordinator and the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the ASEOWA operation and other interventions the AU has put in place to combat the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease. He noted that AU through ASEOWA will work closely with UNMIL, UNMEER, WHO, ECOWAS and other partners in the fight against Ebola. The SRSG UNMIL lauded the AU initiative to deploy health personnel and promised to provide support to the ASEOWA operation.

In a related development, the Commissioner called upon the media to intensify public campaigns to contain the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease. Addressing a press conference in Monrovia, the Commissioner pleaded with journalists to robustly engage with and educate communities on the prescribed method to stop the spread the virus.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner and his team are now on their way to Conakry, Guinea as he continues his visit of some West African states to discuss the responses to the Ebola outbreak. WB/WZM

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Wurie Bah|| Social Affairs | African Union Commission |Tel: +251115182227| E-mail: Bahw@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.int|Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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Event

AIDS Watch Africa and Friends of the Global Fund Europe to strengthen partnershi

6 October 2014

Press Release Nº 262/2014

AIDS Watch Africa and Friends of the Global Fund Europe to strengthen partnership in the fight against AIDS, TB and Malaria

Addis Ababa, 6 October 2014- The Friends of the Global Fund Europe Delegation that included Members of the European Parliament committed Thursday to strengthen partnership with AIDS Watch Africa on joint advocacy efforts to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria. The delegation highlighted that the African Union and European Union share a common vision and collaborate in promoting international peace, development and cooperation.

‘I commend the strong and effective partnership between the African Union and European Union in addressing Africa’s development priorities’ said Dr. Elham Mahmood Ahmed Ibrahim the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy who received the delegation on behalf of H.E. Erastus Mwencha, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

The Commissioner highlighted the key priorities of the African Union Commission that includes the promotion of peace and stability, promotion of inclusive economic development and industrialisation through the acceleration of infrastructure development projects and building Africa‘s human capacity through the prioritisation of primary health care and prevention which the European Union strongly supports.

To strengthen advocacy for resource mobilisation particularly domestic financing for health and to foster accountability the African Commission is working closely with the Global Fund in joint advocacy and accountability efforts through AIDS Watch Africa, an African Heads of State and Government led instrument to stimulate leaders into action and mobilise the resources needed to address AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in an effective, sustainable and accountable manner.

Close collaboration with the Global Fund has been primarily in the area of political advocacy with Heads of State and Government, Ministers of Health and Finance, advocacy with donor countries and joint follow-up on country grants and implementation. This has included working together at both technical and political levels to ensure that key issues in AIDS, TB and Malaria remain high on the political agenda through organising joint side events at the margins of AU Heads of State and Government Summits. Recently in Malabo Equatorial Guinea African Heads of State and Government supported the replenishment efforts of the Global Fund and increased domestic financing for health.

The partnership has also leveraged on the work of the Pan African Parliament and supported its oversight role in legislation, expenditure tracking and promoting accountability in AIDS, TB and Malaria.

AIDS Watch Africa is currently leading advocacy efforts for the full implementation of the African Union Roadmap for Shared Responsibility and Global Solidarity for AIDS, TB and Malaria Response (2012-2015) which has three strategic pillars which are (1) more diversified, balanced and sustainable financing models, (2) access to medicines-local production and regulatory harmonisation and (3) leadership, governance and oversight for sustainability.

The Members of Parliament also took the opportunity to attend the strategic taskforce meeting that provides the strategic guidance and orientation for the African Union Support for the Ebola Response in West Africa. The legislators were briefed by the Director for Social Affairs Dr. Olawale Maiyegun who chairs the taskforce on the progress in responding to the Ebola epidemic in West Africa including the deployement of medical and other public health experts to Liberia and the preparations for the deployment of additional medical volunteers to Sierra Leone and Guinea Conakry. The legislators expressed solidarity with the African Union and commended the efforts that it is putting in place to stem the tide.

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Event

Panel Discussion: Leaving No One Behind- Ending AIDS by 2030

2 October 2014

PRESS RELEASE N.255/2014

Panel Discussion: Leaving No One Behind- Ending AIDS by 2030

Addis Ababa, 02 October 2014: The Department of Social Affairs in collaboration with HIV Alliance hosted a half day panel discussion on 2nd October 2014, titled ‘Leaving No One behind- Ending AIDS by 2030 at the African union headquarters.

The objective of the meeting was to discuss priority strategies to ensure that the post 2015 Development Framework on health goals reflect a holistic, rights-based approach ensuring that it includes a target on ending Aids, by focusing on poor and marginalized populations. It was also intended to promote inclusive accountability mechanisms, which provides opportunities for greater civil society participation as well as ownership in implementing and monitoring the post- 2015 agenda.

In his Opening statement, the representative of the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, Mr Alain Manouan, highlighted the importance of building solid partnerships between the African Union and the civil society, in order to fight the progression of HIV/AIDS and evaluate the progress that has been made. He said the African Union has demonstrated strong political commitment to health among others.

Mr. Sahbi Khalfallah, Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia in his address outlined the national response to HIV / AIDS in Tunisia since the notification of the first case of HIV infection in late 1985.He presented the national response implemented by his Government using remarkable strategies. He emphasized that since 2007, the program administration in the fight against AIDS has evolved and that the multi-sectorial approach has been strengthened, through the involvement of more NGOs, in the strategic planning, the execution and the implementation of these strategies. “In addition other efforts were made to strengthen the psychological and social aspects through the recruitment of psychologist’s and social workers as health coaches to the people living with HIV”, he underlined.

In his closing remarks Dr. Anthony Mothae Marunping, Commissioner for Economic Affairs speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Social Affairs Department, stated the high importance of the initiative of bringing the two distinct but complementary sectors on the same table: the government and the civil society organization to dialogue on HIV/Aids with particular reference to actions required for the Post 2015 Development Framework. He underscored the efforts by the AU in ensuring effective coordination and harmonization of policies, strategies and implementation plans. “ One of the lesson that stand out in global health is that triumph can only be attained through partnerships and global solidarity” he noted.

OS/ EAT

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Event

AU Commissioner in Meetings with Nigerian Ministers Focusing on Responses to the

1 October 2014

AU COMMISSIONER IN MEETINGS WITH NIGERIAN MINISTERS FOCUSING ON RESPONSES TO THE EBOLA CRISIS

Press Release

Addis Ababa, 1 October 2014-AU Commissioner of Social Affairs Dr. Mustapha Kaloko has briefed the Nigerian Federal Minister of Health Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu on the Commission’s response to the Ebola crisis, and the deployment of the African Union Support to Ebola in West Africa (ASEOWA) mission to tackle the emergency situation caused by the Ebola outbreak. He commended the exemplary action of the Nigerian Government in containing the disease.

On ASEOWA, the Commissioner said the operation aims at filling the existing gap in international efforts to combat the disease, and pointed that ASEOWA will work with affected countries, World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), United States Center for Disease Control (CDC), European Union and other agencies already on the ground. He emphasized the need for strong health institutions and called for the lifting of restrictions such as border closures and opening of humanitarian corridors so as to get food supplies and other commodities to the affected countries. The Commissioner called for concerted efforts in the fight against Ebola and underscored the need for fast tracking of the establishment of an African CDC. He appealed to Nigeria to continue training more field epidemiologists in the region.

In response, the Nigerian Federal Minister of Health, commended the AU for the interest shown in the fight against Ebola as manifested by the deployment of health experts in the affected region. He called for proper coordination and strong leadership in the process. The Minister however, encouraged the AU and other partners to use the structures available within the West African Health Organisation in the excercise. He assured the AU of Nigeria’s commitment to maintain open borders with the affected countries and encouraged other Member States to do likewise in accordance with the positions of ECOWAS and the AU. He called for focus on case management, contact tracing, community engagement, psychosocial needs and food and other supplies. He underscored the need to ensure the safety of health workers and for a robust communication campaign to engage affected communities. The Minister said that the private sector should be encouraged to support the fight against EVD, and that private hospitals and survivors should be supported.

In another engagement, the AU Commissioner met the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Alhaji Aminu Wali and briefed him on the interventions the AU has put in place in the fight against Ebola. While commending the AU for showing strong leadership in the fight against Ebola, the Minister appealed to Member States to end the stigmatization and closure of borders with affected countries. He mentioned the humanitarian difficulties the residents of the affected countries are facing as a result of the closures and pledged to engage ECOWAS Member States and some regional airlines with a view of allowing the free movements of people and supplies to the affected countries. The Commissioner commended the minister on Nigeria’s position.

The Commissioner also commended ECOWAS for the role it is playing in the fight to tackle the EVD. He expressed AU’s satisfaction with ECOWAS and regional activities aimed at containing the disease, such as the establishment of a coordination centre in Guinea and called for the strengthening of the coordination and integration efforts.

Event

AU Commission marks the third anniversary of Prof. Wangari Maathai

26 September 2014

AU Commission marks the third anniversary of Prof. Wangari Maathai

Long live the spirit of Wangari Maathai!...., Commissioner Kaloko

Addis Ababa, 26 September 2014 – Yesterday, the African Union Commission (AUC), through its Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry and Environment and the Environment Protection Agency of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia marked the 3rd Anniversary of the death of Prof. Wangari Maathai, Africa’s first woman Nobel laureate. The event was commemorated with a tree planting ceremony at the premises of the Commission.

“We are gathered here this morning to pay tribute to our late sister for championing the cause of the poor and leading the struggle against environmental degradation. This occasion is largely symbolic but nonetheless very important. It is an occasion for each of us to take a full assessment of our own actions and contributions in carrying forward the baton to the next generation”, said H.E Dr. Mustapha Kaloko, Commissioner for Social Affairs at the AUC and acting Commissioner for DREA, at the commemoration event

The Commissioner reminded all stakeholders to play individual and collective responsibilities to safeguard the environment and its vital resources to engender sustainable development in the continent. “No outsider can do this for us. It is something that we owe to Africa’s future generations. We must keep alive the flame lit by that illustrious daughter of Africa. Wangari Maathai is gone forever but she left us with a formidable task. That task is keeping her legacy of sustainable environmental management that would secure a sustainability future for humanity and the entire planet”, he added.

Addressing the event, Ms. Mercy A Odongo, Second Secretary of Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Ethiopia expressed her gratitude for the AU Commission and the Government of Ethiopia for organizing tree planting ceremony in commemorating the life of Prof. Wangari Maathai.

“It is indeed fitting that we honour Professor Wangari at this special commemoration by planting trees. Her memory is bound up with trees, from the many millions of saplings planted by communities and women’s groups throughout Africa and the world, to the irreplaceable mature forests she campaigned so hard to protect”, she added.

Dr. Janet Edeme, Head of Division of Rural Economy and Officer-in-Charge of the , Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture, AUC underlined the fact that Prof. Maathai’s actions and initiatives have led to enhanced political awareness and commitment to environmental sustainability not only in Kenya but throughout Africa.

“She was an inspiration to millions of women. She led the crusade for biodiversity conservation based on popular participation in natural resources management especially property rights for women and other marginalized groups. Her efforts in promoting the sustainable management of the Congo Basin forests led to the establishment of the Congo Basin Forest Fund for which she served as Co-Chair and Good Will Ambassador for the Congo Basin Forest until her passing on in 2011,” Dr. Edeme said.

“We must be inspired by such kind of environmental initiatives, at a time when the world is holding a summit to address the issues of climate change,” said Mr. Ahmedou Beibatt, Representative from the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania in Ethiopia and Permanent Mission to AU and UNECA.

MTS/CJ/wzm

Media contact:

Mr. Molalet Tsedeke, Directorate of Information and Communication, AUC; molalett@africa-union.org; +251-911-630-631

Ms. Carol Jilombo

Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture

Jilomboc@africa-union.org

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Event

African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA) Team arrives in

20 September 2014

AFRICAN UNION SUPPORT TO EBOLA OUTBREAK IN WEST AFRICA (ASEOWA) TEAM ARRIVES IN MONROVIA

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 20 September 2014: The first team deployed by the African Union Commission as part of their spirited effort in combating the deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa, has arrived in Monrovia, Liberia. The team arrived at the Monrovia airport around 1:30 am local time in Liberia on 20th September, 2014. The team comprising of both medical and non-medical support personnel are expected to swing into action providing support to the Liberian government in curbing the menace of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

Speaking to them shortly before their departure to their hotel, the deputy chief of Protocol at the Liberian ministry of Foreign affairs appreciated the willingness of the team and encouraged them in the mission to defeat what he called “the Ebola war”.

Re-deployments to different counties in Liberia are expected to commence soon.

Event

Press conference on the deployment of an African Union team of health workers an

19 September 2014

MEDIA ADVISORY

INVITATION TO A PRESS CONFERENCE

What: Press conference on the deployment of an African Union team of health workers and other specialists to countries affected by the Ebola Virus Disease under the AU Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA) operation.

When: Friday 19 September 2014, 11:30hrs

Where: Briefing Room One, African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Who: African Union Commissioner for Social Affairs, Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko will brief the media on the on-going AU deployment and support received from partners in the fight against the Ebola crisis.

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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/

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Event

African Union Support to Ebola in West Africa (ASEOWA): 30 volunteers to be de

15 September 2014

AFRICAN UNION SUPPORT TO EBOLA IN WEST AFRICA (ASEOWA):

30 volunteers to be deployed to Liberia now receiving pre deployment briefing at the AU

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 15 September 2014- The African Union is sending a team of health workers and other specialists to tackle the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa under its operation AU Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA).

The first batch of 30 volunteers under ASEOWA, to be deployed to Liberia, is now at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa and is undergoing pre deployment briefing to prepare them for the mission.

The team, comprising epidemiologists, clinicians, public health specialists and communications personnel, is expected to depart the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa on Wednesday 17th September. All the experts are volunteers coming from five countries i.e. Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Ethioipa.

ASEOWA is expected to enhance the capacity of existing national and international response mechanisms through mobilisation of technical expertise, resources, political and financial support. It will complement the efforts of on-going humanitarian assistance and coordinate support provided to the affected member states to augment field response operations. It will also support public awareness and preventive measures across Africa and specifically in the affected region.

Dr Julius Oketta, a Major General is leading the ASEOWA mission. He is already in Monrovia awaiting the arrival of the rest of the team.

“You are unique in that you will be carrying the African banner in your mission. This is the time for Africa to show solidarity with the affected countries”, said AU Commissioner for Social Affairs Dr Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko at the briefing workshop for the ASEOWA mission today. He thanked the volunteers for offering their time and expertise and also thanked the different partners who are working in collaboration with the African Union to defeat Ebola.

A second batch of volunteers will soon be deployed to Siera Leonne.

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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/

Event

African Union appoints Dr. Julius Oketta to head the AU Ebola operation

10 September 2014

African Union appoints Dr. Julius Oketta to head the AU Ebola operation

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia–10 September 2014: The African Union Commission has appointed Dr. Julius Oketta to head the African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak (Operation ASEOWA) that is deploying civilian and military volunteers from across the continent to ensure that Ebola is brought under control. The mission comprises medical doctors, nurses and other medical and paramedical personnel.

“I am confident that Dr. Julius Oketta’s long experience with humanitarian work, commitment to and experience with the control of Ebola will lead to the achievement of the mission objectives”, said Dr Olawale Maiyegun, the Director for Social Affairs at the African Union Commission.

As the Head of Mission he is expected to provide the necessary leadership, advice and guidance to guarantee a smooth and efficient emergency operation.

Career

Dr. Oketta, as a Major General led the Regional Reserve Forces Command when the Uganda People's Defence Force helped in combating the Ebola epidemic in Northern Uganda. He is the Director of the National Emergency Coordination and Operations Center (NECOC) in the Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda and has been seconded to the African Union led the humanitarian mission. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration and attended Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC).

Dr. Oketta is a Member of the Parliament of Uganda and is currently a Member of the Advisory Board of the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (UN CERF) and has served as the Chief of Logistics and Engineering for the Ugandan Army. He has over 9 years of experience in the field of civil-military humanitarian response.

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Event

African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child launches fir

10 September 2014

African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child launches first ever General Comment dealing with children of incarcerated parents

Cape Town, 10 September 2014: The General Comment on article 30 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) was at the centre of the Child Safeguarding Conference on Thursday 04 September, in Cape Town. The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) launched its first ever General Comment which deals with children of incarcerated parents and primary caregivers.

Adopted in November 2013 during its 21st Session, General Comment (GC) on Article 30 is an authoritative interpretation of this particular provision of the African Children's Charter. The main objectives of the General Comment are to strengthen understanding of Article 30, and to define the legislation, policy and practice necessary to achieve its full implementation. Bearing in mind several cases of children who are incarcerated with their parents, the Committee asserts through this General Comment that children should not be incarcerated with their parents.

Early this year in April, a sad case of a girl aged one year and half who died by suffocation in a prison in Kinshasa (DRC), three days after she was detained with her father who was accused of stealing a plastic chair. http://radiookapi.net/actualite/2014/08/22/debut-des-plaidoiries-dans-la... . There are several other reported cases of children who are being incarcerated with their parents. The Committee further states in this General Comment that the provisions of Article 30 do not just apply to mothers, but also to fathers and primary caregivers who may be a foster parent or another family member such as a grand-parent. This is because large numbers of children in Africa are orphaned or living separated from their parents but may still require the protections guaranteed in Article 30. Article 30 applies when primary caregivers are accused or found guilty of infringing the criminal law. This encompasses all stages of criminal proceedings starting from arrest and continuing through to release and integration. The provisions of Article 30 apply whether the primary caregiver is in custody or subject to non-custodial measures.

The Committee recommends that State Parties widely disseminate the GC across government. It should also be made known to different groups of professionals working for and with children, including judges, lawyers and legal aid providers, teachers, guardians, social workers, officials of public or private welfare institutions, as well as to children and civil society. States Parties are also encouraged to include information in their periodic reporting to the Committee on the challenges they face and the measures they have taken to implement Article 30.

Watch the Launch ceremony on: http://youtu.be/N8LWy281p9Q

Event

African Union to immediately receive close to USD 18.5 Million direct support to

8 September 2014

African Union to immediately receive USD 18.5 Million direct support to its Ebola operation

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia– 12 September 2014: The African Union and partners met Monday on the sidelines of the emergency meeting of the African Union’s Executive Council, to announce pledges by the African Union Partners Group (AUPG) to the African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak (Operation ASEOWA).

The United States Government announced USD10 million and the European Union 5 million euros to be made available immediately, to support the African Union Operation to end the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The People’s Republic of China last week announced USD2 million to ASEOWA.

The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Erastus Mwencha, expressed gratitude to partners for their generous response to support the African Union operation and for all the concerted efforts to respond rapidly to the outbreak.

“The focus should be on containing the epidemic to make sure that it does not spread further, improve the capacity of health facilities, which have been overstretched and monitor contacts and manage the confirmed cases”, the Deputy Chairperson said.

The African Union this week received the assessment report from the mission that it sent to the affected countries which will inform its path breaking response.

“The United States is absolutely committed to working with the international community to increase response efforts in West Africa and help bring this outbreak under control”, said Ambassador Reuben E. Brigety, “We commend the AU for sending an assessment team and welcome its findings, and we urge the AU to ensure that its mission is working through its operations on the ground and in accord with the World Health Organisation (WHO) Ebola response roadmap”.

The ASEOWA operation aims at filling the existing gap in international efforts and will work with the African Humanitarian Action in mobilizing medical and public health volunteers across the continent and will complement ongoing efforts by various humanitarian actors who are already on the ground.

The African Union made a historic decision end of August by declaring Ebola a threat to peace and security in Africa, invoking article 6 (f) relating to its mandate with regard to humanitarian action and disaster management at its 450th meeting. The meeting authorised the immediate deployment of a joint AU-led military and civilian humanitarian mission to tackle the emergency situation caused by the Ebola outbreak. WHO estimates that about USD600 million is needed to bring the epidemic under control.

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