Accelerating PPR Eradication in West Africa-Stakeholder Dialogue on Cross-border Strategies, Lessons Learned, and SPS Compliance

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Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire , August 12–15, 2025-West Africa has taken a decisive step towards the eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) by convening the first Regional Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abidjan. Hosted by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire in collaboration with AU-IBAR, FAO, WOAH, AU-PANVAC, and the ECOWAS Regional Animal Health Centre (RAHC), the high-level event brought together delegates from all 15 ECOWAS Member States to accelerate cross-border strategies for PPR eradication and livestock trade resilience.
Opening the meeting, H.E. the Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources of Côte d’Ivoire underscored the socio-economic importance of eradicating PPR, which affects nearly 60% of small ruminants in parts of West Africa. He emphasised that beyond safeguarding animal health, eliminating PPR is critical for rural livelihoods, regional trade, and food security. The Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to regional solidarity and urged Member States to mobilise domestic resources in line with the Nairobi Agreement.
 

Over four intensive days, participants reviewed regional strategies, shared lessons learned from national vaccination programmes, and validated harmonised protocols for surveillance and control. Delegates adopted a concrete 2025 regional work plan, which includes synchronised vaccination campaigns covering at least 70% of small ruminants starting January 2026, the establishment of cross-border veterinary working groups, and the integration of women and youth in 70% of national programmes.
 

In her remarks, Ms. Djarassouba Aïda Kaly, representing Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Animal and Fisheries Resources, highlighted that the region is technically prepared to eradicate PPR but faces a critical funding gap. She stressed that with solidarity and donor support, the obstacle of financing can be overcome. Similarly, Dr. Charles Bodjo of AU-PANVAC called for resource mobilisation to ensure high-quality vaccines and surveillance tools such as HPPR-bELISA are made available for effective monitoring and seromonitoring of vaccination campaigns.
 

Dr. Hiver Boussini, representing the AU-IBAR Director, urged that Abidjan be remembered as the moment West Africa confirmed its leadership in the fight against PPR. He underlined that the meeting’s outcome reflects regional ownership, accountability, and determination to meet the 2030 eradication target.
The European Union’s pivotal role was repeatedly highlighted. Having committed resources to update National Strategic Plans, support epidemiological studies, and strengthen regional frameworks, the EU remains the leading donor behind the Pan-African Programme for the Eradication of PPR (PAPS). 

During the Abidjan meeting, the EU and other partners, including FAO, WOAH, Swiss Cooperation, PANVAC, and VSF International, reaffirmed their support, pledging further technical and financial assistance.
 

In addition to PPR, the workshop also advanced strategies to control Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), reflecting the broader commitment of West African states to strengthen animal health systems and enhance safe livestock trade. Concrete measures were agreed to enhance laboratory capacity, improve SPS compliance, and reinforce surveillance frameworks across borders.
 

The meeting concluded with priority recommendations: Member States should secure national budget allocations for eradication, conduct synchronised vaccination, and scale up gender/youth inclusion. AU-IBAR and ECOWAS were tasked with operationalising cross-border animal health groups in 80% of priority areas and strengthening diagnostic laboratories to meet RT-PCR standards by 2026.
 

In closing, participants reaffirmed that eradicating PPR by 2030 is both technically feasible and politically achievable. By combining strong political will, regional solidarity, and sustained donor commitment, West Africa has adopted an actionable roadmap that places it firmly on track to achieve a PPR-free status, protecting millions of livelihoods and advancing the vision of a resilient and integrated regional livestock sector.