03 March 2020, Addis Ababa: In light of the rapidly evolving situation in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak, and the need for staff members to have updated information on international travel recommendations, please read the following.

First, the facts regarding transmission as of 03 March 2020: Outside of China, 64 countries have reported confirmed cases, including six in Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia. All of the confirmed cases in Africa reported recent travel to or contact with a person who traveled to a country reporting local transmission. No country in Africa has reported sustained human-to-human transmission in the community, e.g., “widespread transmission.” As the epidemic evolves, it is likely that more Member States will detect cases and that, eventually, there will be widespread transmission of COVID-19.

To respond to the COVID-19 outbreak on the continent, Africa CDC convened a Ministerial (Health) meeting on 22 February 2020. At that meeting, Member States endorsed a continent-wide strategy to be implemented by the Africa Task Force on Coronavirus (AFTCOR), a joint partnership between Africa CDC and Member States. To date, hundreds of personnel from more than 30 Member States have been trained on laboratory diagnosis, border screening and surveillance, infection prevention and control, risk communication, and other aspects of COVID-19 control.

To reinforce political advocacy on COVID19 around the globe, WHO has named six global envoys, three of whom are from Africa: Dr John Nkengasong, director of Africa CDC; Dr Samba Sow, Director-General of the Centre for Vaccine Development in Mali; Prof Maha El Rabbat, former Health Minister of Egypt.

For any organizational issues, clarifications or guidance regarding any aspect of COVD-19, please contact Dr Nkengasong, director of Africa CDC at NkengasongJ@africa-union.org.

All staff members including their dependents need and deserve to have real-time and evidence-based information to make informed decisions during this fast evolving period of the epidemic.

For daily situation reports on the outbreak, including updated international travel guidance please consult https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situatio... And https://www.who.int/ith/2019-nCoV_advice_for_international_traffic-rev/en/.

In addition to WHO, Africa CDC releases weekly updates to Member States. Please see the most recent update attached. Forthwith, all AfricaCDC weekly updates will be shared with all AU staff

Attached to this message are documents from Africa CDC about COVID-19 and ways that you can keep yourself healthy. Additional information is available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-f...

Issued by:
Ebba Kalondo
Spokesperson of the Chairperson