WHAT:          Weekly engagement with members of the media to share critical updates on the coordinated efforts of African Union Member States to combat the pandemic in their respective countries; and to also provide key highlights on the joint continental strategy for COVID-19 response in Africa and its implementation.

SPEAKERS: Dr John Nkengasong, Director, Africa CDC

                      Dr Muhammad Ali Pate, Global Director for Health, World Bank

                        Prof. Michelle Williams, Dean of Faculty, Harvard T.H. Chan School of PH

                      Ms. Stephanie Ferguson, Visiting Fellow, Harvard T.H. Chan School of PH
 

WHEN:          Thursday, 29 October 2020

TIME:                         11.00–12.00 pm East Africa Time

WHERE:        Online through ZOOM, please register in advance to join the Meeting  

                     Register in advance for this webinar using the below link:

                  https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_44Gz48ZbSpGMNxBatv65YA                    

 Live stream: https://livestream.com/africanunion/events/9033858

         Register in advance for the panel discussion at 3:00pm EAT using the below link:

                                                    https://bit.ly/2TsAZj7

Background Information

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread to about 215 countries and territories with more than 43million cases; and claimed over 1.1million lives worldwide. Over 1.7million cases have been reported in all countries in Africa, with nearly 42,000 deaths.

As Africa CDC continue to work with Member States to ensure an effective response to the outbreak, this week’s briefing will focus on the vital leadership role nurses play in healthcare delivery and how they can be empowered through public health leadership to serve as catalyst for achieving Universal Health Coverage.

Dr Nkengasong will be joined by three other speakers to launch the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Africa CDC Global Nursing Leadership Program, after which panel discussion follows at 3:00pm EAT with an astute panel of experts in Global Health and leadership.

Kindly note that the briefings now covers 3 AU working languages (English, French and Portuguese) through interpretation.

Below are basic things to consider during the briefing.

·      Journalists will be allowed to ask questions directly online. If you have a question send your name and the name of your media house to WhatsApp # (+251 945 502 310), the following emails (GwehN@africa-union.org, molalett@africa-union.org) and they will be taken by the moderator.

·      Colleagues who cannot ask questions directly online should send their questions to the same number or email addresses.

Journalists are invited to connect and attend the press briefing on Thursday, 29   October 2020, at 11.00 a.m. East Africa Time.

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