WHAT:          Weekly interaction with members of the media to share critical updates on steps taken to implement key aspects of the joint continental strategy for COVID-19 response; and to also highlight the coordinated efforts by African Union Member States to combat the pandemic in their respective countries.

SPEAKERS:

- H.E. Amira Elfadil, Commission for Social Affairs, AUC

- Dr. John Nkengasong, Director, Africa CDC and

- Dr. Mohamed Vandi, Director, Health Security & Emergencies, Sierra Leone

WHEN:          Thursday, 01 October 2020

TIME:                         11.00–12.00 pm East Africa Time

 WHERE:        Online through ZOOM, Meeting ID is 974 0387 0796

https://zoom.us/j/97403870796?pwd=K1hUQy95ekk4Q0lMMWFhR0xGMndFdz09

                      Passcode: 332623

                      Webinar ID: 974 0387 0796
 

                      Or iPhone one-tap: US: +12532158782, 97403870796# or +13017158592, 97403870796

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

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

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

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

Follow livestream of the briefing via the African Union and Africa CDC Facebook pages.

 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 33 million cases; and claimed nearly 1million lives globally. Over 1.4million cases have been reported in all 55 African countries, with nearly 36,000 deaths. Africa CDC is working with Member States to ensure appropriate response to the outbreak in countries to keep up the impressive public health measures adopted by governments across the continent aimed at slowing down the pandemic and to maintain the significant number of recoveries from the disease.

H.E. Amira Elfadil, Commission for Social Affairs at the AUC will join Dr. John Nkengasong this Thursday to announce the Africa Against COVID-19 campaign; and emphasize the need for all member states to adopt and collectively enforce the initiative which is aimed at saving lives, economies and livelihoods as countries ease lockdowns.

The briefing will also feature Dr. Mohamed Vandi, Director of Health Security and Emergencies of Sierra Leone to provide an update on the country’s COVID19 situation.

You can now follow the briefing in these 3 (English, French and Portuguese) of the AU working languages for interpretation purpose.

 Here are basic things to note about tomorrows 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, 01   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