Weekly Press Briefing on Coronavirus Disease Outbreak

WHAT: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread to almost all countries and claimed more than 150,000 lives worldwide. Nearly 25,000 cases have been reported in 52 African countries, with over 1000 deaths. Africa CDC is supporting African Union Member States in responding to the outbreak. This briefing will provide updated information from Member States and new actions taken by Africa CDC and other partners in respond to the pandemic.

SPEAKER: Dr John Nkengasong, Director, Africa CDC

WHEN: Thursday, 23 April 2020

TIME: 11.00–12.00 pm East Africa Time

WHERE: Online through Bluejeans, Meeting ID is 735 419 152

Meeting URL

https://bluejeans.com/735419152?src=join_info

To dial in from a phone:

+1.888.748.9073 (United States (Primary))
+1.844.540.8065 (United States (Primary))
+1.408.419.1715 (United States (San Jose))
+1.408.915.6290 (United States (San Jose))

Enter the meeting ID and passcode followed by #

(see all numbers – https://www.bluejeans.com/premium-numbers)

Connecting from a room system:

Dial: bjn.vc or 199.48.152.152 and enter your meeting ID & passcode

Livestream: https://livestream.com/africanunion/events/9033858

Background Information

The total number of cases of COVID-19 is approaching 2 million globally. With several confirmed cases in 52 African countries, Africa CDC is working with Member States to ensure appropriate response to the outbreak in their countries. The Director of Africa CDC will provide critical update on efforts by Member States, support from partners and other countermeasures taken to minimize fatality due to the disease in Africa.

Here are basic things to note about tomorrows 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.

· Journalists 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, 23 April 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