Gabon Advances Toward a PPR-Free Future: National Strategic Plan Reviewed and Aligned with Continental Frameworks

The national workshop to review and validate Gabon's strategic plan for the eradication of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and the control of other small ruminants priority diseases was held in Libreville from 28 to 30 October 2025. The meeting was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development, with support of the African Union's Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (BIRA) in collaboration with the Regional Animal Health Centre (CRSA) and technical partners, including FAO, WOAH and ECCAS. The workshop was funded by the European Union. 

The workshop was organised to update Gabon's National Strategic Plan (2017-2027) an to aligne it with the Pan-African Strategy for the Control of PPR, the Continental Blue print 2023-2027 and the Regional Strategy for Central Africa. This initiative was taken in recognition of the changing epidemiological situation of PPR in the country and the need of the regional harmonization of approaches to disease control and eradication.

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In his opening remarks, the CRSA Coordinator reaffirmed that the fight against PPR remains a continental priority, stressing that dispite of global efforts for it effective control, the disease continues to threaten the livelihoods of rural households and the productivity of small ruminants. It was emphasised that the success of the workshop depended on the active engagement of all stakeholders, Government institutions, technical partners, the private veterinary sector and farmers' organisations working together towards the common goal of a PPR-free Gabon by 2030.
During the three days, national and international experts led technical presentations, plenary discussions and thematic group work. Participants reviewed the country's epidemiological situation, assessed progress made since 2017 and identified areas for improvement. Emphasis was placed on updating surveillance and vaccination strategies, strengthening laboratory capacities and improving coordination and governance mechanisms.
A national roadmap (2025-2030) was adopted, setting out clear priorities, timelines and responsibilities for its implementation. The roadmap also includes provisions for the development of complementary operational plans, particularly in the areas of communication, surveillance and PPR control through effective national mass vaccination , to ensure a coordinated response to PPR and other transboundary animal diseases.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment by all stakeholders to mobilise the financial and technical resources necessary for the full implementation of the revised strategy. This effort should contribute not only to the eradication of PPR in Gabon but also to the continent's broader ambition to eliminate the disease in Africa by 2030, in line with the objectives of the Global Strategy for the Eradication of PPR led jointly by the FAO, the WOAH and the African Union.