The evidence session will be conducted on zoom and can be followed at www.parliamentlive.tv [1] from 3PM ON FRIDAY 15 MAY. Giving evidence will be:

     * DR NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA, World Health Organisation and African Union Special Envoy; former Nigerian Finance Minister and Foreign Minister.

TOPICS THE SESSION WILL COVER INCLUDE:

    * What are the principal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic across Africa?

    * The preparedness of Africa for the pandemic and whether previous epidemics have helped in the response to COVID-19?

    * How the continent can be supported in public health and economic impacts of COVID-19 by the UK government and global organisations.

    * How will the pandemic affect African countries’ economies?

    * How can we best ensure that progress towards gender equality is not reversed as a result of COVID-19?

    * How effectively has the African Union responded to COVID-19, and how well are African countries coordinating their responses?

    * What role should international partnerships play in the development and global distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine and how can we ensure it will be available to all countries, including those in Africa?
      * What are the current issues facing Nigeria’s economy, and are these exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic?