The Pandemic Action Network (PAN) has launched the #AfricaMaskWeek to sustain and increase the wearing of mask as a protective measure against Covid-19.

The #AfricaMaskWeek was launched in response to the increasing cases of Covid-19 in a second wave in many parts of the world, the African Union said in a statement.

PAN launched the project in partnership with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the African Union Office of the Youth Envoy, the African Youth Front on Coronavirus, Resolve to Save Lives, and many other organisations.

The week, according to the statement, will feature several activities, including a virtual launch event, which will feature discussions about mask-wearing and its benefits in controlling the spread of Covid-19.

The statement also said that there will be social media campaigns and online events through the week by corporate and private entities and individuals across the continent to promote mask-wearing.

‘The key to controlling the spread of Covid-19 in the absence of a vaccine is to adopt the age-old public health strategy of wearing a mask, washing your hands regularly and keeping a safe distance from others’, Director of Africa CDC, Dr John Nkengasong, said.

‘As we intensify testing and contact tracing to identify and treat infected persons across the continent, you can avoid being infected by simply wearing a mask to prevent respiratory droplets from reaching your nose and mouth’.

PAN, in August 2020, led over 40 organisations across the world to observe the World Mask Week, which provided a unique opportunity to draw attention to the need for increased use of face coverings in public places and particularly in settings where physical distancing is not possible.

More than 55 partner organisations, according to the statement, are working together in implementing the #AfricaMaskWeek initiative.

Source: African Union

Photo source: African Union