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In responding to COVID-19, many African countries are met with significant obstacles. Dr. John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is at the forefront of the continent’s response and has called this pandemic an “existential threat” to Africa. Many African communities are incapable of implementing social distancing measures, have little or no access to clean water for handwashing, lack sufficient social safety nets, and face considerable resource constraints. With these challenges in mind, this timely event will endeavor to respond to the most pressing policy questions. Namely, what measures are public officials and communities taking to mitigate the threats of the coronavirus pandemic? What regional and international cooperation could strengthen the response? What will a post-COVID-19 future look like for Africa? And what can be done to strengthen capacity against future crises?

Read the event recap and watch the recorded webcast to hear how Dr. John Nkengasong of the Africa CDC and the Hon. Jessye Lapenn, US Ambassador to the African Union, addressed these questions and more during this event on Tuesday, April 28.

Featuring

Dr. John Nkengasong
Director
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention

With additional comments by

The Hon. Jessye Lapenn
US Ambassador to the African Union
US Permanent Mission to the African Union

Moderated by

Mr. Cameron Hudson
Senior Fellow, Africa Center
Atlantic Council

Welcome and introduction by

Mr. Damon Wilson
Executive Vice President
Atlantic Council

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On Twitter? Follow @AtlanticCouncil and @ACAfricaCenter and use #coronafrica to join the conversation and submit questions in advance.