Ethiopia Steps Up the Fight Against PPR

Ethiopia is scaling up decisive action to eliminate Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a disease that continues to threaten millions of livelihoods across Africa. As one of the continent’s largest livestock producers with over 95 million sheep and goats the country is placing animal health at the center of its economic resilience and food security agenda.

Since March 2026, a nationwide vaccination campaign has been rolled out across key regions, including Amhara, Afar, and Oromia. This large-scale effort aims not only to control PPR, but to break transmission cycles and move the country closer to eradication by 2030. With in these two months only in Afar region, more than 176,400 small ruminants vaccinated about 4101 household benefited (2,972 Male, and 1129 female)

Beyond disease control, the campaign is a strategic investment in resilient livestock systems protecting pastoral and agro-pastoral communities, stabilizing incomes, and strengthening food systems in the face of growing climate and economic pressures.

By accelerating vaccination at scale, Ethiopia is sending a strong signal of leadership and commitment to the continental eradication agenda. If sustained, this momentum could significantly reduce disease burden and position the country as a key driver in achieving a PPR-free Africa by 2030.