WHAT: Weekly engagement with the media to share critical updates on the COVID-19 response activities in Africa and progress made toward implementing the joint continental strategy for COVID-19 response in Africa and the rollout of COVID-19 Vaccines in African Union member states.

SPEAKERS: Dr John Nkengasong, Director, Africa CDC

WHEN: Thursday, 01 April 2021

TIME: 11.00–12.00 pm East Africa Time

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

Register in advance for this briefing using the below link:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JQN0se_AREGF62F-LkBRoA

Live stream: https://livestream.com/africanunion/events/9033858
And Africa CDC social media platforms (Facebook, Tweeter & YouTube)

Background Information
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread to about 220 countries and territories with more than 126.8 million cases; and claimed the lives of 2.7 million people worldwide. In Africa, over 4.19 million cases have been reported in all countries, with about 112,000 deaths.

Africa CDC continue 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 minimize the rate of infections and deaths in Africa compare to other regions.

Dr Nkengasong briefing for this week will highlight Africa CDC support to member states in response to the pandemic and regular updates on the general COVID-19 situation across the continent. The Director will also focus on vaccines delivery through the COVAX facility and the progress of vaccination campaigns in AU member states.

The briefing remains available in 2 AU working languages (English and French) 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 the media organization you represent to WhatsApp # (+251 966 699 561), 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 use the Q&A section of the zoom platform.

Journalists are invited to connect and attend the press briefing on Thursday, 01 April 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.

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