INVITATION TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

WHAT: There are over 500 confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease reported in 31 African countries now. Africa CDC is deploying human and material resources to support response by the countries and monitoring occurrences as the outbreak evolves. This briefing will provide updated information about guideline documents Africa CDC has developed and partnership activities with member states in supporting preparedness and response to the outbreak in Africa.

SPEAKER: Dr John Nkengasong, Director, Africa CDC

WHEN: Tuesday, 19 March 2020

TIME: 12.00 -13.00 hrs

WHERE: Nelson Mandela Hall, New Conference Center (NCC), African Union Commission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background Information
The total number of cases of COVID-19 has risen above 150,000 globally, with several confirmed cases in more African countries. Africa CDC is working with Member States to ensure appropriate response to the outbreak. In this briefing the Director of Africa CDC will provide update on the countermeasures being taken by Africa CDC in collaboration with partners and Member States to manage cases and prevent further transmission at the country level.
DIC wishes to inform media representatives that the following measures will be taken:
1. Body temperature screening will be carried out at the AU gates and entrances;
2. Hand sanitizers will be dispensed to all people accessing the compound;
3. Number of participants at meetings will be reduced with adequate spacing between participants.

AfricaCDC COVID19 Press Briefing will be livestreamed at: https://livestream.com/africanunion/events/9033858
Journalists are invited to attend and cover the press briefing at the African Union Headquarters on Thursday, 19 March 2020 at 12:00 noon.

Media inquiries:

Mr Molalet Tsedeke, Tel: 0911-630631; Email: molalett@africa-union.org; Directorate of Information and Communication; AU Commission

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

About Africa CDC
Africa CDC is a specialized technical institution of the African Union which supports Member States in their efforts to strengthen health systems and improve surveillance, emergency response, prevention and control of diseases.

Learn more at: http://www.africacdc.org

For further information please contact:
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Website: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube