Hosted by DLS and funded by African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources AU-IBAR, the PPR is a highly contagious viral disease that severely affects sheep and goat population, while threatening the livelihoods, nutrition and income security of smallholder farmers particularly women.
The initiative came as the existing National Strategy Plan (2017-2027) and Five-year Action Plan 2017-2022 established a foundation framework.
The evolving epidemiological dynamics, renewed regional commitments (such as the AU-IBAR Pan African PPR programmed) and the FAO/WOAH Global Eradication Strategy targeting 2030, makes the comprehensive review of this plan even more essential.
Moreover, this validation aims to address implementation gaps, ensure alignment with new initiatives like the EU-funded Pan African PPR Eradication programmed, and revitalise the country’s efforts in addressing PPR nationally and globally.
“It also seeks to review and update, while aligning stakeholders in mobilizing resources to develop a monitoring farmwork.”
Addressing the forum held at Baobab Resort Hotel, Mbayan Njie, administration of finance and deputy permanent Secretary on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, commended DLS for hosting this very important seminar earmarked to review and update The Gambia’s National Strategy for the eradication of PPR.
She also commended their partners from the AU-IBAR, whose unwavering support, she added, has made the gathering possible.
“Your presence in this validation is a testament to our shared continental commitment. To our dedicated technical experts, our hardworking farmers, and all participants.”
The validation, he added, is strategically positioned to ensure national efforts are in perfect harmony.
She pointed out that their mission is to critically review 2017-2027 National Strategy for the control and eradication of PPR as well as its five-year Action Plan 2017-2022 that will guide them decisively towards the global target of eradication this devastating disease by 2030.
In his welcoming remarks Dr. Abdou Ceesay, Director General Department of Livestock Service (DLS), said the disease PPR is more than a veterinary term as it is a direct threat to the livelihoods of countless Gambian families.
He reminded that small ruminant such as sheep and goats are not merely livestock, but that they are a cornerstone of the rural economy.
“These animals serve as a living bank for families, a source of our nutrition, a means of manure for our fields, and a crucial component of our cultural and religious practices. Therefore, any threat to their health is a direct threat to our national food security, poverty reduction efforts, and economic resilience.”
Dr. Ceesay also reminded that investing in the control and eventual eradication of PPR is not just a veterinary objective, but a strategic investment in the well being of our people.
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