WHAT: Africa CDC weekly engagement with the media to share critical updates on the coordinated response by African Union Member States to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SPEAKERS:

1. H.E. Amira Elfadil Mohammed, Commissioner for Social Affairs, African Union Commission

2. H.E. Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure & Energy, African Union Commission

3. Dr John Nkengasong , Director, Africa CDC

WHEN: Thursday, 20 August 2020

TIME: 11.00–12.00 pm Eastern Africa Time

WHERE: Connect to the briefing ZOOM at

https://zoom.us/j/97713450141?pwd=dUNEOXUzKyttMExhaER1MGtTN2tTQT09

Passcode: 426220

Meeting ID: 977 1345 0141

Or iPhone one-tap:

US: +13462487799, 97713450141# or +16699006833, 97713450141#

Or Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 929 205 6099 or

+1 253 215 8782 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799

International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/abpIy3NFic

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

Background Information

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread to about 215 countries and territories with more than 21 million cases; and claimed more than 770,000 lives worldwide. Over 1.1 million cases have been reported in Africa, with nearly 26,000 deaths. Africa CDC is supporting Member States in their efforts to ensure appropriate response and bring the pandemic under control in the continent. This briefing will, in addition, feature the launch of the Africa Against COVID-19: Saving Lives, Economies, and Livelihoods campaign by the commissioners for social affairs and infrastructure and energy of the African Union Commission. The saving lives, economies and livelihoods aims to protect borders and travellers, economies and livelihoods, as countries ease lockdown and resume economic activities.

Important Notice

• There will be French and Portuguese interpretation for this press briefing.
• Journalists should send their questions with their names and the names of their media organizations to WhatsApp number+251 945 502 310 or to GwehN@africa-union.org and molalett@africa-union.org .
• You can also ask your questions directly online by clicking the raise hand button on the Zoom connection.

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 that strengthens the capacity and capability of Africa’s public health institutions as well as partnerships to detect and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats and outbreaks, based on data-driven interventions and programmes. 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.