June 23, 2020: The African Union Commission received medical supplies from the Kingdom of Morocco that will boost the continental capacity to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic. The consignment included 500,000 non-woven face masks; 4,000 coats; 40,000 hygiene caps; 60,000 visors; and 2,000 litres of hydro alcoholic gel.

The supplies were received by the commissioner for social affairs Amira El Fadil, and the permanent representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to ambassador Mohammed Arrouchi. The ceremony was also attended by the Africa Centres for Disease Control (Africa CDC).

“I am receiving this donation from the Kingdom of Morocco on behalf of the African Union Commission’s chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, and on behalf of the Africa CDC. We highly appreciate this donation from HM King Mohammed VI, and from the government of Morocco. Morocco is extending its hand and support to 15 member states in Africa and also to the African Union (AU),” said El Fadil. She further added, “This donation represents the values of support and solidarity between AU Member States. We agreed to fight Covid-19 through the unity and solidarity”.

El Fadil also commended Africa’s private industry for rising up to the challenge. “These medical products we are receiving are locally manufactured in Morocco. In the AU Commission, we are calling upon member states to strengthen their capabilities in manufacturing medical products in Africa.”