This archive report was first published on 1 July 2021.
On February 6, 2021, the African Union Bureau of Assembly of Heads of State and Government appointed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as the African Union Champion on Covid-19.
As part of this effort, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, CEO of Amref Health Africa Group, has been appointed to the newly formed Commission on African Covid-19 Response.
Speaking about the surges of Covid-19 in various African countries, Dr. Gitahi stated, 'In many of these African countries, oxygen is running out, hospital beds are full and there are no vaccines available for those who need them most. In addition to the disease burden, communities have suffered a great social and economic burden, especially born by women, girls, and children.'
Dr. Gitahi emphasized the need for a strong response to mitigate the outcomes for the health and well-being of Africans during these uncertain times.
The Commission on African Covid-19 Response, led by President Ramaphosa, will support the continental response to Covid-19 and identify gaps in the strategy to propose evidence-based interventions.
