MEDIA ADVISORY

Weekly Press Briefing on Coronavirus Disease Outbreak
INVITATION TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

WHAT: Engagement with members of the media every week to share critical updates on the COVID-19 response activities and progress made toward implementing the joint continental strategy for COVID-19 response in Africa.

SPEAKERS: Dr John Nkengasong, Director, Africa CDC

WHEN: Thursday, 21 January 2021

TIME: 11.00–12.00 pm East Africa Time

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

Register in advance for this webinar using the below link:

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8CQOjdd5SYKOq7xp1hvxFw

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

Background Information

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread to about 220 countries and territories with more than 94.1 million cases; and claimed over 2 million lives globally. In Africa, over 3.3 million cases have been reported in all countries, with nearly 81,000 deaths.

Africa CDC continue to work with Member States to ensure an effective response to the outbreak by Member States, including maintaining key public health measures which have helped to slow down the pandemic on the continent during the first wave. Those measures remain crucial as many countries are already experiencing a second wave of infections and a new variant of the virus in more than 10 countries.

Dr Nkengasong briefing this week will cover regular updates on the COVID-19 situation and Africa CDC response activities across the continent. The Director will also give recent updates on efforts being made for vaccines acquisition and possible immunization to begin across the continent in the coming weeks. He will close his remarks as usual with emphasis on the need for citizens to continue practicing the public health and safety measures in all member states.

The briefing remains available in 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, 21 January 2021, 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