Rome, September 22, 2026 — A high-level meeting at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) headquarters brought together African and international stakeholders to advance the fight against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a viral disease threatening livestock-dependent communities across the continent. The event, held during the FAO Global Conference on Agrifood Systems Transformation through One Health and Transboundary Animal Disease Prevention, Control, and Eradication, focused on translating political pledges into financed implementation. Attendees included Tanzania’s Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, ministers from Chad, Cameroon, Bangladesh, and Burkina Faso, as well as representatives from the World Bank, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, African Union, and regional bodies like the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
The discussion underscored the urgency of PPR eradication, a priority for millions of African households where sheep and goats serve as vital assets for food, income, and resilience. Dr. Nchemba highlighted Tanzania’s progress in controlling PPR in cattle, with current efforts targeting sheep and goats, which are central to rural livelihoods. 'Investing in PPR eradication is investing in food and nutrition security, rural livelihoods, and the resilience of agrifood systems,' he stated, emphasizing the One Health approach that links animal health with broader ecological and economic stability.
Tanzania’s commitment to PPR eradication has been backed by significant financial investment. President Samia Suluhu Hassan launched a five-year national livestock vaccination and identification campaign in July 2025, allocating over 260 billion Tanzanian shillings (approximately $86 million). During the 2025/26 financial year, the government vaccinated 16.8 million sheep and goats against PPR, targeting 17.2 million livestock in high-risk areas. For 2026/27, an additional 30.8 billion shillings ($11.6 million) was allocated to sustain the second phase of the campaign, reflecting the government’s sustained focus on disease prevention.
Beyond vaccination, Tanzania is strengthening livestock identification, surveillance, and veterinary systems to build proactive disease control mechanisms. 'Our approach now goes beyond vaccination; we are investing in systems that prevent and detect disease rather than merely responding to outbreaks,' Dr. Nchemba explained. This strategy is critical given PPR’s transboundary nature, as livestock movements across borders can spread the disease, necessitating regional cooperation. 'Tanzania’s geographical position between Eastern and Southern Africa underscores the need for cross-border collaboration to prevent PPR spread,' he added.
The economic case for PPR eradication was a central theme. A 2016 global benefit-cost study estimated that a 15-year eradication program costing $2.26 billion could yield $76.5 billion in economic benefits. The European Union pledged an additional €50 million for a second phase of support, with potential for another €40 million through blended financing. The World Bank and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation emphasized the need for sustainable investment in livestock systems, while Chad and Cameroon shared national experiences in vaccination and veterinary infrastructure.
Regional coordination emerged as a key challenge. Dr. Nchemba noted that livestock movements often transcend national boundaries, as seen in the cross-border movement of cattle between Kenya and Tanzania. 'Animals have federated faster than us,' he remarked, highlighting the mismatch between disease control systems and the reality of regional livestock mobility. IGAD called for costed national investment plans integrated into regional frameworks, while the African Union urged stronger cross-border harmonization and an 'episystem' approach to manage interconnected livestock populations.
Despite existing national strategies and regional mechanisms, gaps in financing and implementation remain. The Rome dialogue set a target of PPR eradication by 2040, alongside enhanced control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). Countries and Regional Economic Communities were urged to prepare investment plans and allocate resources. The European Union’s funding is expected to catalyze progress, while the Gates Foundation and World Bank are encouraged to expand support for scientific and epidemiological approaches.
Chad and Burkina Faso contributed insights on managing transboundary diseases, while Bangladesh shared experiences in veterinary service delivery. The discussions emphasized that eradication requires more than vaccination: reliable vaccine supplies, cold chains, trained personnel, and robust surveillance systems. 'Africa is not starting from scratch,' a FAO representative noted, citing existing laboratory networks and disease information systems in several countries.
The Rome summit also highlighted the need for sustained political will and predictable financing. Dr. Nchemba reiterated that 'the impact of investment will ultimately be measured in healthy animals, secure food supplies, and resilient communities.' For pastoralists and smallholder farmers, PPR eradication is not just an animal-health goal but a lifeline for livelihoods and economic stability.
As Africa moves toward the 2040 eradication target, the focus remains on consolidating gains, closing funding gaps, and strengthening cooperation. The EU-Africa Summit in 2027 is expected to further advance these efforts, with PPR champions advocating for high-level international support. 'The shift from commitment to implementation is critical,' Dr. Nchemba concluded, stressing the importance of systems that protect both people and livestock.
The Rome dialogue marked a pivotal step in transforming PPR eradication from a political promise into a coordinated, funded initiative. With Tanzania’s model demonstrating the feasibility of integrated disease control, the global community is now tasked with scaling up efforts to safeguard the livelihoods of millions. 'This is an investment in food security, trade, and the resilience of Africa’s agrifood systems,' said a FAO official, underscoring the broader implications of the campaign.
Tanzania’s approach has set a precedent for other nations, illustrating how political will, financial investment, and systemic improvements can address complex challenges. The government’s emphasis on vaccination, surveillance, and regional collaboration reflects a holistic strategy that aligns with global One Health principles. 'We are building systems that prevent disease, not just treat it,' Dr. Nchemba affirmed, highlighting the long-term vision for sustainable livestock management.
As the 2040 target looms, the success of PPR eradication will depend on sustained funding, cross-border cooperation, and the integration of animal health into broader agrifood policies. For the millions of households reliant on small ruminants, the eradication of PPR represents a critical step toward economic stability and food security. The Rome summit has not only reinforced Tanzania’s commitment but also galvanized a collective effort to protect Africa’s livestock and the communities that depend on them.
The path forward requires continued advocacy, innovation, and partnership. With the European Union’s financial support, the World Bank’s technical expertise, and the Gates Foundation’s investment in high-impact interventions, the momentum for PPR eradication is growing. As Dr. Nchemba emphasized, 'The conversation has shifted from commitment to implementation, and now it’s about ensuring that these efforts are sustained and scaled.' For Africa’s agrifood systems, the eradication of PPR is not just a health initiative—it is a cornerstone of economic resilience and sustainable development.
The Rome summit underscored the interconnectedness of animal health, food security, and economic stability. By addressing PPR through a systems-based approach, Africa is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and prosperous future. As the continent moves toward 2040, the lessons from Tanzania and the collective efforts of global partners will be crucial in turning the promise of PPR eradication into a reality that benefits millions of households across the continent.
The success of PPR eradication will ultimately be measured by its impact on the ground. For pastoralists and smallholder farmers, the eradication of this disease means healthier livestock, stable incomes, and greater food security. The Rome dialogue has provided a roadmap for achieving these goals, but the true test lies in the implementation of the strategies discussed. As Dr. Nchemba concluded, 'This is not just about eradicating a disease—it’s about building a future where Africa’s agrifood systems are resilient, sustainable, and capable of supporting its people.'
The global community must now translate the commitments made in Rome into tangible actions. With the right investments, policies, and cooperation, PPR eradication can become a reality, ensuring that the millions of African families who depend on sheep and goats are protected from the economic and nutritional shocks of this devastating disease. The journey ahead is challenging, but the momentum generated in Rome offers a clear path forward for a healthier, more prosperous Africa.