The African Union (AU) said it is to raise one million U.S. dollars on Monday for its COVID-19 response fund, as the 55-member pan-African bloc marks the Africa Day.
Established by the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat in March, the AU COVID-19 Response Fund aims to strengthen the continental response to COVID-19 and mitigate its socio-economic and humanitarian impact on African populations.
“This Africa Day, May 25, all Africans, people of African descent and friends of Africa are encouraged to give a little to the fund,” said the AU statement, reiterating that a target of one million dollars has been set for the day.
Stating that contributions can be made in any currency and this will be automatically converted into U.S. dollars, which is the original currency of the Fund account, the Union has also announced a website, where donation can be made.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 positive cases across Africa rose to 107,412 as of Sunday morning, the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said on Sunday.
The African countries are mobilizing resources and taking measures to fight against COVID-19.
Some countries on the continent have imposed night curfew and suspended international flights so as to curb the spread of the virus. Wearing face masks is mandatory at public places in many countries.
They also have the support from international organizations, and countries including China.
