MEDIA ADVISORY

Weekly Press Briefing on Coronavirus Disease Outbreak

INVITATION TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

WHAT: Weekly engagement with members of the media to share critical updates on the progress of implementing the joint continental strategy for COVID-19 response in Africa the coordinated efforts of African Union Member States to combat the pandemic in their respective countries.

SPEAKERS: Dr John Nkengasong, Director, Africa CDC

WHEN: Thursday, 12 2020

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 webinar using the below link:

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MDnXCxmSRQKo6zULxNTRtw

Live stream: https://livestream.com/africanunion/events/9033858

Background Information

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread to about 219 countries and territories with more than 50million cases; and claimed over 1.2million lives globally. In Africa, over 1.8million cases have been reported in all countries, with nearly 46,000 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 are helping to slow down the pandemic.

Dr Nkengasong’s update will focus on key aspects of COVID-19 response activities across Africa to include:

Current trend and status of the pandemic in AU member states
Recent progress in ongoing discussions about COVID-19 Vaccines Development and Access
The state of COVID-19 testing and recent field visit to member states.

Kindly note that the briefings now covers 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.

Journalists are invited to connect and attend the press briefing on Thursday, 12 November 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.

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