WHAT: Weekly interaction 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 highlight steps taken to implement the joint continental strategy for COVID-19 response in Africa.
SPEAKERS:Dr John Nkengasong, Director, Africa CDC
WHEN: Thursday, 22 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_KNEZIe-1QdOLuQdYfSVKzw
Live stream: https://livestream.com/africanunion/events/9033858
Background Information
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread to about 215 countries and territories with more than 40million cases; and claimed over 1.1million lives worldwide. Over 1.6million cases have been reported in all countries in Africa, with nearly 40,300 deaths. Africa CDC is working with Member States to ensure an effective response to the outbreak by Member States, including maintaining key public health measures which are helping to slow down the pandemic.
Dr Nkengasong’s update will focus on key aspects of COVID-19 response activities across Africa as follows:
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Current status and trend of the pandemic in member states
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Progress made in ongoing discussions about COVID-19 Vaccines Development and Access
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Africa CDC’s preparations in anticipation of a potential second wave of the outbreak as countries ease lockdowns and reopen their economies.
Kindly note that the briefings now covers 3 AU working languages (English, French and Portuguese) for interpretation purpose.
Below are basic things members of the media should consider for the briefing.
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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.
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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, 22 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
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.
