Congo Updates its National PPR Strategy to Align with Continental and Regional Frameworks

The National Workshop for the Review and Validation of the National Strategic Plan for Eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and the control of other priority diseases of the small ruminants in the Republic of Congo was held in Brazzaville from 15 to 17 October 2025. The meeting was organized by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, with the support of the African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) in collaboration with the Pan African Veterinary Vaccine Centre (AU-PANVAC), the Regional Animal Health Centre (CRSA), and regional and international partners including the ECCAS, CEBEVIRHA, FAO, and WOAH.

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The workshop was convened to review and harmonize the National Strategic Plan for the Control and Eradication of PPR (2016–2027) with the Pan-African PPR Strategy, the Continental Strategy 2023–2027, and the Central Africa Regional Strategy. The revision was deemed necessary in view of recent epidemiological developments and the need for better integration of approaches addressing transboundary animal diseases that affect small ruminants.

It is recalled that PPR was first confirmed in the Republic of Congo in 2005, and it still circulating endemically in several regions, posing a major threat to animal productivity, food security, and rural livelihoods. The global goal of eradicating PPR by 2030 set jointly by FAO and WOAH and endorsed by the African Union remains at the heart of national and continental efforts.

Over the three days, participants analyzed the current epidemiological situation and institutional framework for PPR control, they discussed and agreed on other priority diseases of small ruminants, they identified key progress and remaining challenges, and reviewed the content of the existing national plan. Technical sessions were organized around four thematic areas surveillance, diagnostics, vaccination and control measures, governance and coordination, and financing and resource mobilization.These session were facilitated by both national and international experts.

The deliberations resulted in the validation of a revised National Strategic Plan that reflects regional and continental priorities, as well as the adoption of a national roadmap (2025–2030), defining clear responsibilities, timelines, and resource requirements for implementation. Emphasis was placed on the development of operational plans for communication, surveillance, and outbreak management to ensure a coherent and results-oriented response.

The workshop was concluded with a strong call for renewed engagement from all stakeholders, including government institutions, veterinary services, farmers’ organizations, and development partners, to sustain the national momentum toward a PPR-free Congo. The commitment expressed during the meeting reaffirmed the country’s determination to contribute to the continental objective of eradicating PPR in Africa by 2030, aligned with the Global PPR Eradication Strategy and the vision of the African Union Agenda 2063.