Speak Up Africa is dedicated to catalysing leadership, enabling policy change and increasing awareness for sustainable development in Africa. According to the organisation, COVID-19 is having a devastating impact on the health of citizens, as well as national and global economies.

According to the organisation, a co-ordinated Africa-led approach to slow the spread of COVID-19 is crucial to address the continent's uneven access to tools and services and respond to Africa's diverse cultural landscape.

In April 2020, the African Union and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) launched the Africa COVID-19 Response Fund. This was to mobilise and manage funds from the public and private sector, as well as individuals in Africa and to further strengthen the continent's response to the pandemic. 

"Many countries from South Africa to Senegal via Nigeria and Kenya have announced the creation of solidarity funds. While these funds will serve primarily a national agenda, the virus knows no borders," says Carl Manlan, COO of the Ecobank Foundation.

"And because the average citizen with disposable income can give small amounts of money, our best bet to fund the Africa CDC, in times of economic hardship, is to pool our resources," adds Manlan.

The 'Stay Safe Africa' campaign incorporates messages and advice tailored for African communities and leadership, accounting for language, literacy and cultural barriers.

"It is vital that individuals across Africa take responsibility to protect themselves, their families and their communities by following the recommended prevention measures," says Yacine Djibo, executive director of Speak Up Africa. "As Africans, we must come together, with distance, and realise the importance of protecting ourselves from COVID-19 and act quickly." 

The campaign is open to all partners, journalists, civil society organisations and communities. All assets to help support the campaign are available at StaySafeAfrica.org in both English and French.

"Now more than ever, we must acknowledge the importance of communications and digital communities, leverage information, unite across the board and stand together," says Eloïne Barry, CEO of Africa Media Agency.

"COVID-19 is a deadly disease that poses an immediate threat to the African continent and has the potential to take many lives. It is crucial that Coronavirus transmission in Africa is restricted as quickly as possible to prevent a surge in cases and deaths, which would have a devastating impact on Africa's already strained health systems," adds Barry. 

"The current pandemic is a striking reminder of the need for stronger health systems. This is a prime opportunity to take measures aimed at social protection and sustainable financing of the health sector," concludes Dr. Magda Robalo, minister of public health of Guinea Bissau.

For more information, visit www.staysafeafrica.org. You can also follow Speak Up Africa on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.