AU-IBAR, FAO and WOAH validate new M&E tools to accelerate PPR eradication across Africa.

Nairobi, Kenya, 9th to 11th ,The Pan-African Program for the Eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is transforming disease control through the deploying of cutting-edge Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems across Africa. With a mandate to drive evidence-based decision-making, the recent validation workshop in Nairobi gathered experts from AU-IBAR, FAO, WOAH, and regional economic communities to review, harmonize, and plan the deployment of a suite of advanced M&E instruments for PPR.

Strategic use of the Multi-Stakeholder M&E Technical Working Group (METWG) has brought together institutional knowledge, field experience, and technical rigour. The group finalized essential tools, including a revised Results Framework, a robust compliance monitoring platform, and an innovative digital dashboard. The system, once operationalise, would link community-level activities to continental oversight and track key performance indicators (KPIs) reductions in new PPR cases, improvements in vaccination delivery, and overall programme performance.

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A critical shift is the move from tracking PPR prevalence to disease incidence, aligning Africa’s reporting with WOAH global standards. Incidence-based indicators now anchor the project’s impact assessment, sharpening the continent’s early warning and performance measurement capabilities. Real-time monitoring, geographic information system (GIS) mapping, and predictive analytics inform rapid response to outbreaks, making the system adaptive and risk-aware.

Data quality and accountability are at the center of this transformation. Offline-first mobile field tools guarantee data inclusiveness, even in the most remote areas, while capturing gender-disaggregated data to ensure equitable representation and targeted interventions. Automated alerts and reporting functionalities will enhance real-time monitoring of animal movements across national boundaries. Interoperability with ARIS, FAO, and WOAH reporting systems ensures seamless, timely donor reporting and continuous institutional learning.

AU-IBAR is institutionalising sustainability and risk governance across all M&E activities, in partnership with member states and RECs. Quarterly and annual reviews, targeted capacity-building, and standardized risk escalation mechanisms promise program resilience over the long term. This structured approach enables proactive identification of emerging challenges, timely mitigation of risks, and adaptive management that strengthens institutional capacity and program continuity across all levels of implementation.

By centering collaboration, digital transformation, and rigorous accountability, the Pan-African PPR Eradication Programme sets a new benchmark for animal health initiatives worldwide. PPR M&E is no longer a back-office function; it is now a powerful force driving results, improving lives, and accelerating the journey to a PPR-free continent.