Africa on the Path to a Historic Victory: Eradicating PPR by 2030

After the successful eradication of rinderpest in 2011, Africa now stands on the verge of another milestone: eliminating Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) by 2030. This ambitious fight goes far beyond animal health. It is about food security, rural livelihoods, women’s empowerment, and economic resilience across the continent.

At the heart of this historic initiative is the European Union’s strategic support, which provides essential resources to accelerate vaccination, strengthen veterinary systems, and coordinate cross-border action. With the EU’s foundational funding, Africa’s partners are transforming ambition into action, ensuring that the fight against PPR is embedded within broader rural development and poverty reduction strategies.

AU-IBAR, in collaboration with African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities, AU-PANVAC, FAO, WOAH, IAEA, ILRI, the European Union, the World Bank, and other technical partners, is spearheading this continental mobilization. The technologies are ready, veterinary networks are expanding, and political will is at its highest level.

PPR continues to devastate the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers particularly women and youth who depend on sheep and goats for income, nutrition, and family resilience. Its eradication will directly advance the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the CAADP goals, reinforcing Africa’s food sovereignty and ensuring rural prosperity.

The eradication of rinderpest remains a landmark in global health history, achieved through solidarity, science, and innovation. Today, that same model of cooperation and community engagement is being scaled up with a One Health approach, stronger governance, and inclusive strategies to address climate change, insecurity, and biodiversity loss.

“The European Union’s investment demonstrates that PPR eradication is not only achievable, but also a shared commitment to Africa’s future prosperity.”