MEDIA ADVISORY

Weekly Press Briefing on Coronavirus Disease Outbreak in Africa

INVITATION TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

WHAT: Weekly engagement with members of the media to share critical updates on the COVID-19 response activities in Africa and progress made toward implementing the strategy to acquire and commence COVID-19 Vaccine immunization across Africa.

SPEAKERS: Dr John Nkengasong, Director, Africa CDC

WHEN: Thursday, 18 February 2021

TIME: 11:00 AM –12:00 PM East Africa Time

WHERE: Online through ZOOM, please register in advance to join the briefing

Members of the press may register in advance for this webinar using the below link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dEJf54ieSp-P2uAGuduLlw

Background Information
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread to about 220 countries and territories with more than 108 million cases; and claimed the lives of over 2.4 million people worldwide. In Africa, over 3.7 million cases have been reported in all countries, with about 99,000 deaths.

Africa CDC continues to work with Member States to ensure an effective response to the outbreak by Member States, including maintaining key public health measures which have helped to slow down the pandemic on the continent during the first wave. Those measures remain critical in the wake of a more deadly second wave of infections and a more contiguous new variant of the virus now circulating in many countries.

Dr Nkengasong briefing this week will cover regular updates on the COVID-19 situation and Africa CDC response activities across the continent. The Director will also give recent progress being made for vaccines acquisition and further caution citizens to be vigilant and continue to observe the public health and safety measures in all member states even as vaccines gradually become available.

The briefing remains available in 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.
• Send your question, along with your name and the name of your media outlet to WhatsApp # (+251 945 502 310), 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, 18 February 2021, 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.