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The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) is strengthening its national commitment to livestock development and disease control through a renewed strategic push to eradicate Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a highly contagious disease that continues to threaten small ruminant production in Sierra Leone.
This renewed focus was underscored during a two-day Review and Validation Workshop on the National Strategic Plan for PPR eradication, held from 3rd to 4th June 2026 in Kenema. The workshop, organised by the Livestock and Veterinary Services Division in collaboration with key partners, forms part of broader government efforts to safeguard rural livelihoods and enhance food security.
Supported by the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), the engagement brought together policymakers, technical experts, researchers, and livestock stakeholders to refine a unified roadmap for eliminating the disease by 2030. The process reflects Sierra Leone’s alignment with continental and global commitments to eradicate PPR.
MAFS used the platform to highlight ongoing investments in the livestock sector under the Feed Salone initiative, positioning animal health as central to economic resilience. The Government has already committed significant resources, including a major livestock development project valued at approximately US$107.5 million, alongside capacity-building efforts targeting veterinary professionals and field officers.
Officials emphasised that strengthening veterinary services, improving disease surveillance, and increasing access to livestock support systems are critical to transforming the sector. With livestock serving as both a financial safety net and a source of nutrition for rural households-particularly women-the eradication of PPR is seen as a key step toward reducing poverty and improving national food systems.
The workshop also reinforced Sierra Leone’s growing leadership role in regional animal health initiatives. With President Dr Julius Maada Bio now serving as a Champion for PPR Eradication in Africa, the country is expected to play a strategic role in mobilising resources, enhancing cross-border collaboration, and driving advocacy efforts across the continent.
Participants reviewed and updated the national strategy to ensure it reflects current realities and technical best practices, while also strengthening coordination among stakeholders. The validated plan is expected to guide implementation efforts, attract investment, and ensure sustained progress toward eliminating the disease.
As Sierra Leone intensifies its efforts, stakeholders remain optimistic that with coordinated action, sustained funding, and strong political will, the country can contribute meaningfully to the global target of eradicating PPR by 2030.
