FAO seeks more funding to meet 2040 livestock disease eradication target

Nairobi, Kenya - The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has implored governments, development banks, and private foundations to increase funding for the global eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) disease. The EU has pledged €50 million, which the program coordinator Dr Felix Njeumi described as "catalytic" and expected to spur further contributions from various sources.

Njeumi emphasized the need for countries affected by PPR to contribute domestic resources, as the disease's eradication cannot rely solely on international aid. The global PPR Eradication Programme aims to vaccinate, surveil, and support veterinary services across herds of sheep and goats, which can spread quickly and impact food security, trade, and livelihoods.

The EU may contribute an additional €40 million, increasing the total funding to around Sh13.29 billion. The Rome dialogue on PPR eradication and Foot-and-Mouth Disease control emphasized the importance of costed investment plans, domestic financing, and cross-border coordination.