Strengthening Africa’s Animal Health Systems: SMP-AH Protocols Reviewed and Updated

AU-IBAR convened a high-level continental workshop in Nairobi from July 22–24, 2025, to review and update the Standards, Methods and Procedures in Animal Health (SMP-AH). The workshop, co-hosted in collaboration with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), USDA-APHIS, and the Texas A\&M University Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases (IIAD), brought together technical experts and representatives from Regional Economic Communities (RECs), AU Member States, and international partners for three days of intensive engagement.

The workshop aimed to harmonise existing animal health protocols and formulate updated procedures for the prevention and control of transboundary animal diseases (TADs). The revised SMP-AH framework is intended to strengthen regional trade, promote sanitary alignment with international standards, and foster a unified and resilient approach to animal health across the continent.

In her opening remarks, AU-IBAR Director Dr. Huyam Salih emphasised the strategic importance of the exercise, noting that, “Our goal is to ensure the highest standards of animal health across the continent, enabling not only the protection of our livestock resources but also unlocking the full potential of regional trade and food security.” She further added that the collaborative update of these protocols enhances trust among Member States and partners, improving the continent’s collective capacity to detect, report, and respond rapidly to animal health threats.
Over the course of the workshop, participants reviewed protocols related to quarantine measures, TADs, and sanitary procedures, while also addressing emerging threats such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Exotic Newcastle Disease. Breakout sessions facilitated cross-regional collaboration and knowledge exchange, enabling experts to draw from practical experiences and propose context-appropriate innovations.

Key outcomes of the workshop included:
•    Draft revisions of the SMP-AH protocols incorporating contemporary disease dynamics and trade considerations;
•    Development of regionally tailored training modules;
•    Agreement on follow-up actions for validation and implementation;
•    Reaffirmation of AU-IBAR’s commitment to eradicate Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) by 2030 through strengthened surveillance, vaccination, and diagnostics systems.
 

The workshop underscored the critical role of harmonised protocols in supporting Africa’s livestock sector, which contributes up to 40% of agricultural GDP and supports the livelihoods of nearly 70% of livestock-keeping households. With the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the need for unified sanitary measures has become even more urgent to unlock intra-African trade in animals and animal products.
In alignment with the One Health approach and the Kampala Declaration, the updated SMP-AH protocols will enhance not only animal health governance but also public health and environmental sustainability.

The revised protocols, which reflect the contributions of USDA-APHIS, WOAH, IIAD, and RECs such as SADC and IGAD, will undergo further review and validation. A follow-up workshop specifically targeting French-speaking Member States is planned to ensure inclusivity and wider stakeholder consensus before continental adoption.
By the conclusion of the workshop, AU-IBAR and its partners had laid a strong foundation for delivering an updated, practical, and regionally harmonised SMP-AH framework that supports sustainable livestock development, safe trade, and improved health outcomes across Africa.