OVERVIEW:This briefing is a weekly engagement of the Africa Centres of Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) with the media to share critical updates on the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa and the status of implementing the Africa Joint Continental Strategy for COVID-19 Outbreak, including Africa CDC’s response activities and the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in AU Member States.

This week’s briefing will also include the special launch of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Leadership Program (PHEPR-LR) by Africa CDC and its partners.

SPEAKER(s): Dr John Nkengasong, Director, Africa CDC

Mr. Zwelethu Bashman, Managing Director: South & Sub Saharan Africa, MSD

Dr Ambrose Talisuna, Programme Manager for Emergency Preparedness, WHO

Dr Githinji Gitahi, Group Chief Executive Officer, Amref Health Africa

MODERATOR: Wynne Musabayana, Head of Communication, AUC

WHEN: Thursday, 06 May 2021

TIME: 12:00–1:00 pm East Africa Time (9:00 to 10:00 am GMT)

Join via zoom: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lZrHHLdER3KkhflCnogOJA

Live stream

· https://livestream.com/africanunion/events/9033858

· On Africa CDC social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube

Languages: The briefing will be available in English and French through interpretation.

Media Q&A

Journalists may submit questions to Africa CDC during the briefing by sending their full name and the name of their media organization to WhatsApp at +251 94 550 2310.

Journalists may also ask questions live through Zoom.

Media inquiries:

Mr Molalet Tsedeke, Directorate of Information and Communication; AU Commission

Tel: 0911-630631 | Email: molalett@africa-union.org;

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.About the African Union

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:

Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org I Website: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia.