AU and Partners to Launch Africa’s PPR Eradication Programme

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – February 3, 2025 – Under the leadership of the African Union (AU) through AU-IBAR and AU-PANVAC, along with its partners FAO and WOAH, the Pan-African Programme for the Eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and Control of Other Priority Small Ruminant Diseases will be launched on 3rd February 2025 in Addis Ababa, marking an important milestone in the fight against PPR. Heads of state, ministers, Regional Economic Communities, development partners, and other important players from throughout Africa will reaffirm their commitment to end the pandemic by 2030 at the launch.

The AU-IBAR, AU-PANVAC, FAO, and WOAH-led effort marks an important turn in Africa's fight against one of the deadliest livestock diseases. While sheep and goats are classified as small ruminants, they are essential to the livelihoods of millions across the continent, particularly women, youth, and pastoralist groups, who rely heavily on them to maintain their economies and food security. However, PPR is present in 47 of the 55 AU Member States, causing a severe hit to rural economies, trade, and resilience.

A Strategic and Coordinated Response
The Pan-African PPR Eradication Programme (2023-2027), developed under the stewardship of the African Union Commission (AUC), AU-IBAR, and AU-PANVAC, presents a comprehensive modality for dealing with PPR. This programme harmonizes fully with the global 2030 eradication target, proving the strength of political will in Africa, which has recently been evidenced by very high-level commitments such as:
•    The Nairobi Declaration on the eradication of PPR by 2030, made by African Ministers in charge of animal resources.
•    The 5th Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water, and Environment (ARDWE) resolution, later endorsed by the AU Heads of State Summit in February 2024.
•    The establishment of the Pan-African PPR Secretariat (PAP), housed at AU-IBAR, Nairobi, to drive coordinated efforts.

With an estimated budget of $526 million, the programme is already attracting support, with the European Union committing €8 million towards its preparatory phase. These funds will strengthen continent-wide coordination, governance, and vaccination strategies essential for the successful eradication of PPR.

Objectives of the Launch
The launch event will serve as a continental call to action and aims to:
•    Present the Pan-African PPR Eradication Programme (2023-2027).
•    Showcase the EU’s support in strengthening Africa’s response to transboundary diseases.
•    Highlight progress and strategies from African Ministers leading national eradication efforts.
•    Foster high-level advocacy and political will for sustained resource mobilization and coordination.

Who Will Be in Attendance?
The event will be graced by Her Excellency, the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, alongside the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). Other key participants include:
•    Ministers from AU Member States (Ethiopia, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Uganda, among others).
•    Development partners (EU, USAID, AfDB, IsDB, IFAD, BMG, GIZ, World Bank).
•    International organizations (FAO, WOAH, ILRI, IAEA).
•    Representatives from Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and AU institutions.

A Moment of Unity and Action
The evening will feature insightful presentations, ministerial advocacy messages, donor commitments, and keynote speeches from the AUC Chairperson and the Ethiopian President. The event will culminate in the official unveiling of the Pan-African PPR Eradication Programme.

Looking Towards a Continent Free of PPR
The launch will constitute a major landmark in the journey toward protecting small ruminant animals, securing rural livelihoods, and increasing trade opportunities as Africa approaches the 2030 goal. The African Union, together with its partners, is committed to ensuring that the PPR disease does not become an obstacle to the continent's agricultural transformation and economic growth.

Access Provisional Concept Note and Agenda

For more information, contact the Pan-African PPR Secretariat:
Email: ibar.office@au-ibar.org