Peste des petits ruminants Global Eradication Programme (PPR-GEP) Launch of the Rinderpest Book and PPR-GEP Blue Print Opening Remarks
by Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General
04/11/2022
Peste des petits ruminants Global Eradication Programme (PPR-GEP)
Launch of the Rinderpest Book and PPR-GEP Blue Print
Opening Remarks
By
Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General
4 November 2022
Excellences,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. Greetings from London.
2. I am pleased to be able to welcome you virtually to this special event celebrating the historic rinderpest eradication, and launching the blueprint for the way forward for the eradication of PPR.
3. In 2011, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Organisation for Animal Health confirmed the first-ever eradication of an animal disease, declaring global freedom from rinderpest.
4. Putting an end to devastating rinderpest epidemics that impacted on livestock producers and pastoralists.
5. The Global Rinderpest Eradication Programme was a joint effort in which FAO worked closely with Members, partners, NGOs and regional institutions, such as the African Union.
6. To mark this accomplishment, I am pleased to launch today the “Rinderpest and its eradication” book, which documents all the science and expertise that went into the eradication efforts and the lessons we learned for the fight against other diseases.
7. Currently, PPR affects some 300 million of the world’s poorest rural families annually, whose food security and livelihoods depend on sheep and goats.
8. With an estimated economic impact of between 1.4 and 2.1 billion US Dollars.
9. Eradicating PPR is technically feasible and would contribute significantly to achieving the SDGs.
10. Over the last 18 months, technical teams from FAO and the World Organisation for Animal Health have developed the blueprint for the next phase of PPR eradication.
11. Today, we are launching this new phase.
12. Eradicating PPR will cost approximately 1.9 billion US Dollars – the same annual loss caused by the PPR.
13. But we need all partners to work together, backed with international support, and funds to coordinate joint actions to ensure we work collectively in an efficient, effective and coherent manner.
14. Over the past 10 years, countries have allocated considerable resources to PPR campaigns.
15. To move the eradication ahead, we are working at 3 levels:
• One: At the global level through joint coordination with other UN agencies and international organizations, like the World Organisation for Animal Health, working hand in hand;
• Two: At the regional level through the network of FAO regional and sub-regional offices, together with regional economic communities to develop and implement their PPR regional strategies, in particular with the African Union Commission; and
• Three: at national level to formulate and roll out PPR national action plans with our Members and all stakeholders, which result in an effective reduction of PPR.
Dear Colleagues,
16. Now is the time to re-focus on PPR eradication, we have a strong foundation and working mechanisms to support us going forward.
17. Let us work even better together to benefit the farmers and consumers, especial in the rural areas, and the rural communities who depend on healthy sheep and goats.
18. In line with transforming the agrifood systems to be MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable,
19. For better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.
20. Thank you.