AU-IBAR Leads Key Discussions on PPR and Animal Welfare at the 26th WOAH Regional Commission for Africa Conference

The 26th Conference of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Regional Commission for Africa is taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from February 4 to 7, 2025. The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) is playing a key role in leading discussions on critical animal health and production issues in Africa.
Opening Address by AU-IBAR Director on Behalf of Commissioner Sacko
Speaking on behalf of H.E. Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE) of the African Union Commission, AU-IBAR Director Dr. Huyam Salih emphasized the significance of this conference as an opportunity to tackle Africa’s most pressing animal health challenges. She highlighted that by 2050, Africa’s population is projected to reach 2.5 billion, necessitating robust commitments to enhance agrifood systems, as outlined in the Kampala Declaration on Livestock and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) framework.
Dr. Salih underscored the critical role of veterinary services in safeguarding food and nutrition security, stressing that Africa's livestock sector is the backbone of rural economies. However, she noted that the sector faces numerous threats, particularly transboundary animal diseases (TADs) such as Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).
“Eradicating PPR is not just a technical goal; it is a moral obligation,” Dr. Salih stated. “Africa has a clear roadmap, but the question is not whether we will succeed, but how fast we can act.”
She called for enhanced coordination among international organizations, ensuring alignment with AU priorities for effective disease control and eradication efforts. Dr. Salih also reaffirmed AU-IBAR’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with WOAH, FAO, and other global and regional stakeholders, advocating for increased investments in disease surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and resilient veterinary systems.
AU-IBAR-Led Sessions at the Conference
AU-IBAR will lead key discussions on animal welfare and disease eradication during the conference:
• Wednesday, February 5, 2025
o 11:30 a.m.: Elevating Animal Welfare in Africa – Led by Dr. Hiver Boussini, Head of the Animal Health Unit, AU-IBAR
o 2:00 p.m.: Eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in Africa – Led by Dr. Huyam Salih, Director, AU-IBAR, followed by a panel discussion
Through its leadership at this conference, AU-IBAR continues to drive policy discussions and technical solutions that will shape the future of animal health governance in Africa.
Conference Details: https://rr-africa.woah.org/en/events/26th-conference-of-the-regional-commission-for-africa-rc26/