WHAT: The Director of Africa CDC in his weekly engagement with the media, will provide critical update on the coordinated efforts by African Union Member States to implement the joint continental strategy on COVID-19 and highlight key steps taken to support the PACT initiative across countries and other countermeasures taken by Africa CDC and other partners in response to the pandemic and to minimize fatality due to the disease in Africa.
SPEAKERS: Dr. John Nkengasong, Director, Africa CDC and
Professor Lynn Morris, Interim Director, NICD South Africa
WHEN: Thursday, 16 July 2020
TIME: 11.00–12.00 pm East Africa Time
WHERE: Online through ZOOM, Meeting ID is 983 8141 9431
Please click the link below to join the Briefing:
Password: 202300
Or iPhone one-tap: US: +13462487799, 98381419431# or +16699006833, 98381419431#
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
Meeting ID: 983 8141 9431
Password: 202300
Password: 202300
Background Information
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread to over 200 countries and territories with more than 12 million cases and claimed more than 560,000 lives worldwide. Nearly 611,000 cases have been reported in 54 African countries, with over 13,000 deaths. Africa CDC is working with Member States to ensure appropriate response to the outbreak in their countries. Thursday’s briefing will also feature an expert from South Africa to provide updated information about ongoing vaccine trials and other actions taken by the South African government in respond to the increasing spread of the disease across the country.
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.
• Journalists 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, 16 July 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.
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.
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.
