NAIROBI, Kenya- The African Union Commission (AUC), through the Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and the Pan-African PPR Secretariat (PAPS), has launched a Continental Advisory Committee aimed at accelerating efforts to eradicate Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) across Africa by 2030.
The High-Level Advisory Committee brings together ministerial champions, representatives of Regional Economic Communities (RECs), technical and financial partners, as well as key continental and international institutions, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
PPR is among the most devastating transboundary animal diseases on the continent, primarily affecting sheep and goats.
The disease poses a serious threat to the livelihoods of millions of smallholder livestock farmers, undermines food security and nutrition, and weakens the resilience of rural economies.
The newly established continental advisory body is expected to strengthen political commitment and provide strategic leadership to address the disease’s far-reaching socio-economic impact.
Speaking during the launch in Nairobi, AU-IBAR Director Dr. Huyam Salih said the committee marks a major milestone in Africa’s fight against PPR.
“The establishment of this Advisory Committee marks a decisive step towards strengthening political leadership, ensuring rigorous strategic monitoring, and accelerating the coordinated implementation of national and regional strategies for the eradication of PPR,” Dr. Salih said.
According to AU-IBAR, the committee will provide strategic guidance to the Pan-African Programme for the Eradication of PPR, lead high-level advocacy for increased resource mobilization, align national, regional and continental interventions, and monitor progress towards the global goal of eliminating PPR by 2030.
The initiative aligns with the African Animal Health Strategy, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the Global PPR Eradication Programme.
It is fully supported by the European Union, a key partner in Africa’s efforts to eliminate the disease.
AU-IBAR is a specialized technical office of the African Union Commission mandated to support the sustainable development of animal resources across Africa, contributing to food security, economic growth and improved livelihoods.
