ECOWAS Moves to Harmonise Vaccination to Protect Livestock

ECOWAS is working to harmonise animal vaccination programmes to protect livestock and support the regional economy.

The plan was discussed at a workshop held in Accra on March 3 under the Cross-Border Planning, Coordination and Assessment initiative. The meeting brought together officials and development partners from across the ECOWAS region.

Participants said coordinated vaccination campaigns would help control transboundary animal diseases and improve livestock production. The programme focuses on strengthening mass vaccination and disease monitoring across member states.

Officials said cross-border livestock movement and shared ecosystems require coordinated planning, data sharing and surveillance.

Representatives of regional and international organisations said diseases such as Peste des Petits Ruminants continue to affect livestock production and rural livelihoods.

ECOWAS officials said member states remain committed to coordinated vaccination campaigns, knowledge sharing and resource mobilisation to control livestock diseases in the region.