NAIROBI, Kenya — African governments have stepped up efforts to wipe out Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a deadly livestock disease that continues to devastate sheep and goat populations across the continent.
At a high-level meeting in Nairobi, the African Union said renewed political commitment, regional cooperation and long-term financing could finally eliminate the disease, which threatens livelihoods, food security and trade.
AU-IBAR Director Dr Huyam Salih said Africa was aligning its eradication drive with the Kampala Declaration, where Heads of State agreed to prioritise ending PPR.
“We are working closely with our partners to secure sustainable funding for surveillance and vaccination,” she said, noting ongoing collaboration with the European Union and African financial institutions such as the African Development Bank.
African animal health leaders and development partners have reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) from the continent, following the official launch of the Continental PPR Advisory Committee in Nairobi. ynews.digital/newsflash/afri… @au_ibar
PPR hits hardest among pastoralists and smallholder farmers, especially women and young people who depend on small livestock for income and survival. Beyond farms, the disease also threatens wildlife in shared ecosystems.
Kenya’s Deputy Principal Secretary for Livestock, Dr Joshua Chepchieng, warned that no single country can defeat PPR alone.
“Vaccination cannot be done by one country in isolation. It must be done across borders,” he said, calling for joint action among neighbouring states.
Uganda’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr Bright Rwamirama, said the African Union’s inclusive approach offers the continent a realistic path to victory.
🌍🐐 @FAO & @au_ibar brought West African countries together for a regional training to strengthen surveillance for #PestedesPetitsRuminants.Stronger planning, risk mapping & coordination are driving progress toward eradication by 2030.Read more: bit.ly/4p0wvwA
Nigeria’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Samuel Anzaku, described PPR as both a livelihood and political challenge.
“This disease fuels poverty and economic instability. Livestock plays a huge role in people’s lives,” he said.
A key outcome of the meeting was the endorsement of Chad as Africa’s continental champion for PPR eradication, a move aimed at strengthening political leadership and speeding up action.
Chad’s Minister of Livestock, Prof Abderahim Awat Atteib, pledged to drive collective action and ensure commitments translate into results.
“Our goal is to make PPR eradication an African success story,” he said.
🇹🇩 Chad, Champion of #PPR in Africa!As the Continental PPR Champion, Chad urges African Union Members to invest in veterinary services, own national PPR plans, & enhance cross-border cooperation – H.E. Mr. Atteib, Minister of Livestock, Rep. of Chad. #PPR2030 #AnimalHealth
