INVITATION TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

WHAT: This briefing will highlight key discussions from the 2 day virtual conference on Africa’s Leadership Role in COVID-19 Vaccine Development and Access and present a communique that will be developed as the initial outcome during the closing session.

SPEAKERS: H.E. Amira El Fadil; Commissioner for Social Affairs, AUC Dr John Nkengasong, Director, Africa CDC

WHEN: Thursday, 25 June 2020

TIME: 5:20 –7:00 pm Eastern Africa Time
Please note the change in the starting time for this week’s weekly press conference from the usual 11am. The change is only for this week’s briefing. This is necessitated by the need to discuss the full outcomes of the virtual meeting.

Join via Zoom at:
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Meeting ID: 851728
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Livestream: https://livestream.com/africanunion/events/9033858

Background Information
As the global number of COVID-19 cases increase daily, the scientific world is on edge to find a vaccine and Africa must not be left behind in such crucial process. The virtual conference on Africa’s Leadership Role in COVID-19 Vaccine Development and Access aims to address what role Africa as a continent must play in COVID19 vaccine development, community engagement and leadership which brings together a cross-section of different groups on the continent and establish a strategic scientific research plan for public health in Africa. In this briefing, the Director of Africa CDC will share with the media tangible discussion points agreed by experts and policymakers during the conference through a communique.

· If you have a question, send your name, the name of your media organization and your question to +251 945 502 310 (WhatsApp) or to GwehN@africa-union.org and molalett@africa-union.org, and your questions will be taken by the moderator.
· Journalists can also ask questions directly online. If you wish to ask your question directly, send your name and the name of media organization to the same number or email addresses.

Journalists are invited to connect and attend the press briefing on Thursday, 25 June 2020, at 5:20 p.m. Eastern 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 that strengthens the capacity and capability of Africa’s public health institutions as well as partnerships to detect and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats and outbreaks, based on data-driven interventions and programmes.

Learn more at: http://www.africacdc.org