Africa’s new push to end livestock disease that keeps millions poor

The African Union says momentum is building behind a continent-wide push to eradicate the disease, which continues to wipe out livestock, disrupt trade and undermine food security, especially in rural and pastoral communities.

AU-IBAR Director Dr Huyam Salih said Africa is now focusing on long-term financing to support vaccination, disease surveillance and cross-border coordination.

“We have strong political backing from African Heads of State through the Kampala Declaration,” she said.

“What we are working on now is ensuring sustainable funding so that eradication efforts are not interrupted.”

She said the African Union is partnering with the European Union and engaging African financial institutions, including the African Development Bank, to secure resources needed to complete the job.

PPR is highly contagious and spreads quickly in areas where animals move across borders in search of pasture and water. Experts say this makes regional cooperation essential, as outbreaks in one country can easily spill into another.

Kenya’s Deputy Principal Secretary for Livestock, Dr Joshua Chepchieng, said the disease cannot be defeated through isolated national efforts.

“You cannot vaccinate in one country and ignore the neighbours,” he said. “It must be done together, across borders, and at the same time.”

The disease hits hardest among smallholder farmers, pastoralists, women and young people who depend on goats and sheep for daily survival. Beyond livestock losses, PPR also threatens wildlife in shared ecosystems, raising concerns about biodiversity.

Uganda’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr Bright Rwamirama, said the African Union’s coordinated approach gives countries a realistic chance to eliminate the disease.

Nigeria’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Samuel Anzaku, described PPR as more than a veterinary issue.

“This disease affects livelihoods, stability and development,” he said. “Livestock plays a huge role in lifting people out of poverty.”

A key outcome of the Nairobi meeting was the endorsement of Chad as the continental champion for PPR eradication in Africa. The move is intended to strengthen political leadership and accelerate action under the Pan-African PPR Eradication Programme.

Chad’s Minister of Livestock and Animal Production, Prof Abderahim Awat Atteib, said his country is ready to lead collective efforts across the continent.

“Our ambition is clear,” he said. “We want PPR eradication to be an African victory, built on unity, accountability and long-term commitment.”

He urged African governments to invest in veterinary services, strengthen cross-border cooperation and place animal health at the centre of national development plans.