High level Press Briefing on World Antimicrobial Awareness Week
High level Press Briefing on World Antimicrobial Awareness Week
o WHAT: The following partnership will engage with the media in observance of the 2nd Africa Continental World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), with discussions focusing on Antimicrobial Resistance in Africa and One Health Multi-sectoral Collaboration.
o African Union
o Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
o World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)
o World Health Organization (WHO)
o United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
WHEN: Wednesday, 18 November 2020
TIME: 12.00–1.00 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_4ynv6K8SRsGjTanKDiMI6Q
For Livestream: https://livestream.com/africanunion/events/9033858
Background Information
Antimicrobial agents, including antibiotics, have saved millions of lives, substantially reduced the burden of diseases in people and animals, improved quality of life, contributed to improved food security and safety, and helped increase life expectancy. However, the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in several microorganisms, is reversing these benefits and further complicating the management of many infectious diseases. AMR is a major threat to human development and the fight against infectious diseases, hence, it requires a collective and practical response in order to mitigate AMR risks.
Leveraging on said holistic approach to raise awareness on AMR issues, members of the Africa regional tripartite (FAO, OIE, & WHO) in collaboration with two technical agencies of the AU, Africa CDC and AU-IBAR and UNEP are organizing the region’s second joint WAAW campaign. Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, this year's event will be hosted virtually from 18-24 November 2020.
Journalists are invited to connect and attend the press briefing on Wednesday, 18 November 2020, at 11.00 a.m. East Africa Time.
Kindly note that the briefings will cover 3 AU working languages (English, French and Portuguese) through interpretation.
Below are basic things to consider during the 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.
Media inquiries:
Mr James Ayodele, Tel: 095-391-2454; Email: Ayodelej@africa-union.org; Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention; AU Commission
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
About the Africa Regional Tripartite Plus
The Tripartite (FAO, OIE, and WHO), in partnership with UNEP, have globally allied addressing the rising threat of AMR. As the cause and impact of AMR overarch all sectors – human health, animal health, plant health, and environmental health – it requires a holistic and multisectoral One Health Approach. At the Africa Regional level, the Regional Tripartite Plus is working in close collaboration with the African Union to join forces to mitigate AMR risk in the continent.
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week in Africa
The week of 18-24 November 2020 will be full of events, carefully curated under a wide range of topics. For journalists who are interested in attending the rest of the events planned for the week, please register at: https://bit.ly/waawafrica2020
Event Documents
Topic Resources
Outbreak Update: As of 3 May 2023, a total of 765,222,932 COVID-19 cases and 6,921,614 deaths (case fatality ratio [CFR]: 1%) have been reported globally by 232 countries and territories to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Outbreak Update: As of 3 May 2023, a total of 765,222,932 COVID-19 cases and 6,921,614 deaths (case fatality ratio [CFR]: 1%) have been reported globally by 232 countries and territories to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Outbreak Update: As of 1 April 2023, a total of 761,402,282 COVID-19 cases and 6,887,000 deaths (case fatality ratio [CFR]: 1%) have been reported globally by 232 countries and territories to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Outbreak Update: As of 21 March 2023, a total of 760,360,956 COVID-19 cases and 6,873,477 deaths (case fatality ratio [CFR]: 1%) have been reported globally by 232 countries and territories to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Agenda 2063 is Africa’s development blueprint to achieve inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development over a 50-year period.