WHAT: Special engagement with members of the media to share critical updates on the African Union and European Union partnership on COVID-19 response activities in Africa.

SPEAKERS: Dr John Nkengasong, Director, Africa CDC

H.E. Mr. Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

MODERATOR: Madam Wynne Musabayana, Head of Communication Division, AUC

WHEN: Tuesday, 20 April 2021

TIME: 10.00–10.30 AM 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_KE7KI1A0SVKG43nl6Di-Lw

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

Background Information

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread to about spread throughout the entire globe with more than 138.7 million cases; and claimed the lives of nearly 2.9 million people worldwide according to WHO. In Africa, over 3.9 million cases have been reported in all countries, with about 106,000 deaths.

Africa CDC under the leadership of Dr John Nkengasong, 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.

The European Union Commission through its partnership with the African Union has worked in collaboration with Africa CDC, Member States of the AU, and other international partners to support Africa's response to the COVID-19 pandemic through the implementation of the Africa joint continental COVID-19 strategy.

H.E. Mr. Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis Management will participate in this briefing to provide update on Team Europe’s support to Africa's response to COVID-19, the collaboration with Africa CDC, Member States of the AU, and other international partners. At the occasion, the Commissioner will announce the €100 million EU Humanitarian initiative in support of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Africa. This EU initiative, with a steering role of the Africa CDC, will support two complementary dimensions of the vaccination campaigns in Africa in close cooperation with EU’s humanitarian partners – one that will help to reinforce national health systems’ resilience to epidemics and the other targeting specific humanitarian settings.

The briefing is 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 # (+251 945 502 310), 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 use the Q&A section of the zoom platform.

Journalists are invited to connect and attend the press briefing on Tuesday, 20 April 2021, at 10.00 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

For further information:

Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org I Website: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia.