Strengthening Regional Synergy: The Second Inter-REC Meeting on PPR Eradication in Africa

Engaging Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in the fight against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is not just strategic—it’s indispensable. As AU-IBAR’s programmes continue to advance, RECs play an important role in ensuring regional ownership, leadership, and coordination for effective implementation. This was reaffirmed during the Second Inter-Regional Economic Community Meeting on PPR Eradication Initiatives in Africa, held from December 17-18, 2024, at AU-IBAR headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting brought together 28 key stakeholders, including REC representatives, AU agencies, and international partners, to align efforts toward the PPR 2030 eradication target.

Key Highlights of the Meeting
The event, co-organized by AU-IBAR, AU-PANVAC, FAO, and WOAH under the auspices of GF-TADS Africa, featured presentations, plenary discussions, and collaborative planning sessions. Key deliberations highlighted the importance of strengthening inter-REC collaboration, establishing clear operational frameworks, and enhancing stakeholder engagement strategies.
The two-day meeting agenda included the following sessions:
•    Session 1: Overview of the PPR Eradication Programme
•    Session 2: Regional PPR Strategies and Eradication Initiatives
•    Session 3: Coordination and Harmonization of PPR Control and Eradication Efforts in Africa
•    Session 4: 2025 Workplans and Implementation Modalities

Operationalizing the Pan-African PPR Secretariat
The urgency of establishing the Pan-African PPR Secretariat (PAPS) was a central theme. Recommendations included expediting staff recruitment, ensuring REC readiness to host Regional PPR Coordinators, and fostering collaboration through co-location of partner staff at AU-IBAR.
1.    Enhancing Coordination Mechanisms
Participants recognized the ongoing PPR interventions across Africa, emphasizing the need to map activities at national, regional, and continental levels to avoid duplication. Developing a robust coordination framework with visualization tools and clear operational guidelines was recommended to enhance synergy.
2.    Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement
Advocacy emerged as a critical tool to drive the eradication agenda. Recommendations included forming multistakeholder platforms at REC levels to feed into national strategies, direct engagement with REC leadership, and sustained communication campaigns targeting decision-makers and development partners.

Outcomes and Recommendations
The meeting concluded with several actionable outcomes and recommendations aimed at advancing PPR eradication:
•    Validation of the Pan-African PPR Secretariat’s modus operandi to streamline implementation.
•    Approval of the 2025 annual work plan, ensuring alignment with the Pan-African Strategy.
•    Roadmap for EU action fiche development for the second phase of the eradication program.
•    Institutionalization of Inter-REC coordination meetings to foster sustained collaboration.
•    Mapping and harmonizing regional and national PPR initiatives to optimize resources and impact.

The Way Forward
Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, speaking on behalf of H.E. Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, underscored the European Union’s €8 million contribution to the Pan-African PPR Program and called for accelerated implementation of its activities. Complementing this, Dr. Charles Bodjo of AU-PANVAC, Dr. Neo Mapitse of WOAH, and Dr. Felix Njeumi of FAO emphasized the critical need for robust partnerships, strong leadership, and effective resource mobilization to achieve the ambitious 2030 goal of eradicating PPR. A representative from the European Union, Mr. Kagure, highlighted the EU's continued commitment to supporting regional initiatives and urged all stakeholders to align efforts for greater impact.

Conclusion
In the fight for a PPR-free Africa, the Second Inter-REC Meeting was an important milestone for regional unity. By recommitting to advocacy and collaboration, enhancing partnerships, and developing clear operational plans, we can eradicate PPR by 2030. With the support of member states, development partners, and RECs, AU-IBAR is ready to spearhead this transformational path for the small ruminant sector in Africa.