@AUIBAR2025 Launch of PPR Program

February 3, 2025 – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The formal launch of the Pan-African Programme for the Eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and Control of Other Priority Small Ruminant Diseases marks a crucial advancement for Africa's livestock future. At a key event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, themed "Uniting Africa for a PPR-Free Future," key representatives from the African Union (AU), AU-IBAR, national governments, development partners, and the private sector gathered. With PPR threatening both livelihoods and the continent's economy, this initiative demonstrates Africa's collective commitment to eliminating the disease by 2030. This momentous meeting was organized under the aegis of GF-TADs Africa, with financial support from the European Union. 

Welcome and Opening Remarks
Dr. Godfrey Bahiigwa, Director of Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) at the African Union Commission (AUC), set the stage with compelling insights into Africa’s livestock wealth—home to 30% of the world’s livestock and over one billion ruminants. He underscored the staggering $1.4 billion in annual losses attributed to PPR, affecting 47 countries and endangering millions of smallholder farmers.
Dr. Bahiigwa emphasized that PPR is more than just an animal health crisis—it’s a socioeconomic and food security challenge. He urged nations to fortify their commitments, highlighting the Kampala Declaration (2026-2035) as a roadmap for strengthening goat and sheep farming, and positioning AU-IBAR as the continental secretariat to drive coordination.

Voices from the Frontlines: Ministers’ Perspectives
Ministers from Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, and Uganda shared their countries' bold strategies for tackling PPR.
Hon. Dr. Bright K. Rwamirama of Uganda called for a strategic, well-coordinated approach, combining political will, technical expertise, and access to quality vaccines. He stressed the profound impact of PPR eradication on women, children, and youth, who are central to the small ruminant industry.
The Minister from Côte d'Ivoire laid out the economic toll of PPR—249,000 affected farmers, 6.2 million infected ruminants, and an annual loss of 26 billion CFA francs. With a National PPR Control and Eradication Program since 2019, the country is investing in vaccination campaigns, epidemiological surveillance, and resource mobilization.

Development Partners’ Commitments
International partners reaffirmed their unwavering support for Africa’s fight against PPR:
•    International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI): Advocated for sustainable livestock development through partnerships with AU-IBAR, FAO, WOAH, CGIAR, and national governments.
•    Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): Highlighted the critical need for epidemiological surveillance, vaccine access, and increased funding to close existing gaps.
•    World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH): Applauded Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, South Africa, and Namibia for achieving PPR-free status and encouraged cross-country knowledge exchange.
•    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in collaboration with FAO, noted potential collaboration in enhancing Africa’s diagnostic capabilities through its VetLab network. The agency noted that it is focusing on molecular characterization of outbreaks, veterinary training, and vaccine research, equipping African nations with cutting-edge tools to combat PPR. Access statement: https://iaea.wistia.com/medias/julywz3h7a 
Keynote Address by AUC Commissioner Sacko
H.E. Amb. Josepha Sacko, on behalf of AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki, reaffirmed the AU’s unshakable commitment to PPR eradication. She linked the initiative to Agenda 2063, highlighting the programme’s €528 million budget and the necessity for synergized partnerships. With livestock contributing 30-50% to Africa’s agricultural GDP, she emphasized the economic transformation potential of a PPR-free continent.

Ethiopia’s Commitment to Livestock Resilience
H.E. Dr. Fikru Regassa Gari, representing the Ethiopian government as the host, emphasized that tackling transboundary diseases like PPR is a national priority. Ethiopia’s livestock sector contributes nearly 20% to GDP, making disease control critical to food security and economic stability. The country’s "Ye Lemat Turufat" initiative aims to strengthen meat, milk, fish, and honey production, reinforcing Ethiopia’s dedication to agricultural transformation.
Dr. Regassa stressed the urgency of cross-border cooperation, drawing from Africa’s past success in eradicating rinderpest. He called for enhanced resource mobilization and regional solidarity to meet the 2030 eradication target under AU leadership.

The Official Launch of the PPR Eradication Programme
With high-level endorsements in place, African Union leaders and development partners officially inaugurated the Pan-African PPR Eradication Programme. The occasion concluded with a symbolic unveiling, networking, and a mutual pledge to make Africa PPR-free.

This immense agenda is Africa's proclamation of resilience, determination, and solidarity. The path to PPR eradication by 2030 necessitates continuous political commitment, financial investment, and technological collaboration. As Africa bravely enters this new era, it gets closer to achieving a sustainable, food-secure, and economically viable future.

For more details, access the event on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XhwuqiTk2E