Nigeria is spearheading a regional initiative to protect goats, sheep, and other livestock from the devastating effects of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a viral disease that causes significant economic damage across West Africa. At the opening of the ‘3rd Meeting of the Peste Des Petits Ruminants Global Eradication Programme Regional Roadmap’ in Abuja, Sen. Abdullahi Aliyu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, announced that 12.5 million doses of the PPR vaccine had been procured to combat the disease within the country.

PPR, also known as sheep and goat plague, is a highly contagious virus that affects small ruminants, causing widespread losses among farmers and threatening the livelihoods of millions. The disease has long been a significant threat to food security and economic stability in the region, especially for rural families, including vulnerable groups like women and youths who depend on livestock farming.

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Sen. Aliyu expressed gratitude for the support from international development partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), whose collaboration has been pivotal in advancing the region’s goal of eradicating PPR. The regional meeting brought together stakeholders from ECOWAS member states, development partners, and the media, highlighting the shared commitment to tackling livestock diseases across West Africa.

The impact of PPR extends far beyond animal health, affecting the economy and food security of the entire region. For farmers and communities reliant on sheep and goats for their livelihood, the eradication of this disease is a crucial step towards safeguarding their future.