Thread by @ONEinAfrica

We’re here with @aya_chebbi and @GaviSeth to talk about responses to the pandemic and especially how it might affect African countries. #ONEWorld

.@aya_chebbi is African Union Youth Envoy and an award-winning activist. @GaviSeth specializes in infectious disease epidemiology, global health, and is the CEO of @Gavi the Vaccine Alliance. #ONEWorld

Q1: There has been a slew of initiatives and appeals announced to address the COVID-19 pandemic. What gaps do you think exist in the global response to the #COVID19 pandemic so far? @aya_chebbi @GaviSeth #ONEWorld

Aya Chebbi: I think more global solidarity & coordinated efforts is needed, this is the time where politicians need to focus on their primary job which is delivering the services for citizens and most affected communities #ONEWorld #COVID19

https://twitter.com/aya_chebbi/status/1248227911066423296

.@GaviSeth: There's a lot of discussion about developing a #COVID19 #vaccine as quickly as possible, but a danger of leaving gaps in terms of planning ahead to distribution for low-income countries. Those discussions must start now to ensure equitable access for future vaccines

https://twitter.com/GaviSeth/status/1248227695743377415

Q2: COVID-19 has hit high-income countries hard, but African countries are seeing an⬆️ # of cases and the impact is likely to be more dire due to weak health systems. How is @gavi working with the @_AfricanUnion & African countries to support their response? @aya_chebbi @GaviSeth

.@GaviSeth: All Gavi-supported countries can reallocate 10% of their health systems strengthening funding towards their #COVID19 response. This includes training health workers, infection control supplies & laboratory testing. We’re looking into increased funding flexibility.

https://twitter.com/GaviSeth/status/1248230543650689024

https://twitter.com/aya_chebbi/status/1248230808634228737

Q3: @Gavi played a significant role responding to recent Ebola and measles epidemics in Africa. What lessons can be learned from those responses as we address COVID-19?
@aya_chebbi @GaviSeth #ONEWorld

https://twitter.com/aya_chebbi/status/1248232919778373632

https://twitter.com/GaviSeth/status/1248233242735579136

Q4: The pandemic won’t just affect people’s health, it will also have an impact on education, food, job security and several other SDGs. What can be done urgently to avoid increasing poverty on the continent? @aya_chebbi @GaviSeth #ONEWorld

https://twitter.com/GaviSeth/status/1248237986816409600

Q5: What should African countries do to support epidemic preparedness, so we are better equipped to detect and respond to future epidemic threats? @aya_chebbi @GaviSeth #ONEWorld

https://twitter.com/GaviSeth/status/1248241098360795137

https://twitter.com/aya_chebbi/status/1248242195448107009

A big thank you @GaviSeth and @aya_chebbi! 🙏👏🙌

Want to take action?

First, join the #ONEWorld campaign here: go.one.org/3bNbbWd

Then, learn more about the lifesaving work @Gavi and other international health organizations are doing here: go.one.org/2RpALso