Responding to COVID-19 in Africa: Using data to find a balance

Six months into the COVID-19 pandemic, the secondary impacts of the virus on the African continent are undeniable: more than 40% of survey participants in need of health care services reported skipping or delaying care, 70% reported earning less money compared to the same time last year, and 70% reported problems accessing food in the past week. While most respondents favored reopening the economy, adherence to the “3 W’s”-wearing a mask, washing hands, and watching distance from others-remained high, pointing to a way forward for policymakers.

These findings are based on a new survey of over 24,000 adults in 18 African Union Member States, conducted by the Partnership for Evidence-Based COVID-19 Response (PERC).

In its new regional report-the second in a series on “Using Data to Find a Balance”-PERC analyzes public opinion survey responses along with social, economic, and epidemiological data, and offers recommendations for governments as they navigate the ongoing pandemic.

Join webinar on key findings of report

Join high-level panelists from PERC members Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), Ipsos, Vital StrategiesResolve to Save Lives initiative and the World Economic Forum, to discuss key findings and how organizations can identify potential threats, coordinate responses and effectively communicate as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. A Q&A will follow the discussion.
Date: Thursday 24 September
Time: 08:15 – 09:00 EDT // 14:15-15:00 CAT
Language: English
To attend the webinar, please registerhere.

Speakers:
* Dr. John Nkengasong, Director, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
* Dr. Tom Frieden, American infectious disease and public health physician, President and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, an initiative of Vital Strategies
* Dr Zabulon Yoti, Acting Regional Director, Emergency Preparedness and Response Cluster, World Health Organization
* Natalie Lacey, Chief Operating Officer, Global Affairs, Ipsos
* Elsie S. Kanza. Head of the Regional Agenda, Africa; Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum