COVID-19 and Africa: The Path Forward – A Conversation With Dr. Bernard Kadio

COVID-19 and Africa: The Path Forward
Date: December 8 – Time:3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Venue: Zoom Online

Background /Justification
Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, Africa has suffered from devastating effects as a result of the pandemic as so many lives have been lost and still counting. As reported by Africa’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Africa has had over 34,000 deaths as of the 23rd of September 2020. The pandemic has had an effect not only on the health sector but also on other domains such as economy, growth, and development. The continent like other continents around the globe has been responding to this pandemic. Experts fear that the pandemic could be difficult to control in Africa, and could cause huge economic damage, due to the fact that the majority of the healthcare systems in the continent are underdeveloped and in addition, they lack equipment, funding, insufficient training of healthcare workers, and inefficient data transmission. Seemingly, the virus may still be around for a long time, hence it is imperative for Africa to continue to implement strategies that will ensure the continuous growth of its economy whilst responding to the pandemic.
The Goal and Purpose of this event

To bring to light the impact of COVID-19 on the African continent
Assess the response strategy of African countries: challenges and opportunities
To propose strategies to revamp the African countries amid the consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Main themes to be discussed during the event

Africa’s response to the pandemic
Challenges faced in responding to the pandemic
Effect of the pandemic on Africa’s growth and development

How can Africa ensure its growth and development in the Post-COVID era?

Expected Results
At the end of the event, participants will understand the following;

The impact of COVID-19 on the African continent

The response strategy of African countries: challenges and opportunities

Assessment of the Africa CDC and its effectiveness in continental level response

Time/Venue
To be determined. The event will be held on ZOOM and streamed live
Panelists/Speakers
Main Guest- Dr Bernard Kadio
Senghor Research Chair in Health and Development, Vice-President,
International and Francophonie at the University of Ottawa
Moderator – Dr Denis Foretia
Executive Chairman – Nkafu Policy Institute and
Co-Chair – Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation
Participants
The event will bring together public policy experts, policymakers at the national, continental, and international levels, leaders of civil society organizations, economists, leaders of NGOs, and international organizations. It will be open to the general public with a session for Q&A.
REGISTER HERE