Joint Workshop of the GF-TADs Middle East for FMD and PPR Regional Roadmaps

Background

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) remain significant challenges for livestock health and productivity in the Middle East. These transboundary animal diseases (TADs) have far-reaching consequences on trade, food security, and livelihoods. The Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs), through FAO and WOAH, has developed strategic roadmaps for the control and eradication of these diseases.

The upcoming Joint Workshop of the GF-TADs Middle East for Foot and Mouth Disease and Peste des Petits Ruminants Regional Roadmaps will bring together experts and stakeholders to review progress, address challenges, and define next steps in disease control and eradication efforts across the region.

Representatives from the following countries in the Middle East and North Africa region will participate in the workshop:
Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Objectives

FMD-Specific Objectives:

• Risk Assessment & Control Measures: Evaluate changes in FMDV circulation and enhance control strategies, including vaccination.
• PCP-FMD Implementation & Capacity Building: Strengthen national strategies using the PCP-FMD approach and self-assessment tools.
• Progress Review & Roadmap Update: Assess national advancements, update the regional roadmap, and ensure oversight by the Regional Advisory Group (RAG).
• Strengthening Governance & Regional Coordination: Enhance the RAG’s role in monitoring implementation and epidemiology networks.
• Support & Strategic Planning: Identify needs for technical and financial support to strengthen surveillance and laboratory capacities.

PPR-Specific Objectives:

• Assessment of Epidemiology & Surveillance: Review the current PPR situation, identify gaps, and prioritize control measures.
• Follow-up on Roadmap Recommendations: Evaluate progress since previous meetings and enhance national strategies using the PMAT framework.
• Implementation of PPR GCES Tools: Guide member countries in adopting the episystem approach for surveillance and vaccination.
• Addressing Challenges & Support Needs: Identify constraints to eradication and align technical and financial resources with country requirements.
• Enhanced Coordination & Cross-Border Collaboration: Strengthen the PPR RAG’s capacity and improve coordination across regions.
• Strategic Updates & Decision-Making Tools: Discuss key elements of the PPR Global Eradication Programme (PPR GEP) and define national action plans.

Expected Outcomes

• Improved understanding of the regional FMD and PPR situation by country representatives and development partners.
• Clear adoption of revised PMAT, PCP-FMD guidelines, and supporting tools.
• Enhanced vaccination strategies based on recent virological surveillance data and epidemiological targeting.
• Strengthened implementation of the PPR episystem approach.
• Updated regional control strategies and roadmaps for FMD and PPR, extending through 2029.
• Strengthened epidemiology and laboratory networks to support regional disease control efforts.
• Mapping of key projects and investments for PPR prevention and eradication.
• Improved cross-border cooperation mechanisms for regional disease control.
• Clear recommendations and a final meeting report are available to participants.

This event will be a crucial step towards achieving sustainable disease control and eradication in the Middle East, reinforcing veterinary services, and strengthening regional cooperation under the GF-TADs framework.

Pre-Meeting Webinar for FMD & PPR Regional Roadmap

[Password-protected link] – This page contains important information related to the upcoming event, including webinar details and preparatory documents. Please use the provided password to access the full content.

Country Reports – PPR Eradication Programme

[Password-protected link] – This page contains national reports submitted by countries of the Middle East region for the Joint GF-TADs Workshop on FMD and PPR Regional Roadmaps. Please use the provided password to access the documents.

Provisional Agenda

Workshop Presentation

Presentations – Day 1

Please find below the presentations delivered on Day 1 of the workshop, arranged according to the agenda. All presentations are available to view in PDF format.

Presentations – Day 2

Below are the presentation materials from Day 2 of the regional workshop on FMD control. The sessions focused on regional planning, shared experiences, and the application of PCP-FMD principles

Presentations – Day 3

Day 3 focused on the regional PPR roadmap, global and regional updates, country progress reports, reference laboratory contributions, and vaccination strategies. Please find below the list of presentations available for download:

Presentations – Day 4

The final day of the workshop focused on the PPR pathway, official control programme endorsement, regional strategy planning, and FMD SAT2 risk assessment. Please find the presentations below:

Media and Resources

• Social Media Coverage:

  • Tweet from @alekhbariyaPROG: Dr Ahmad Al-Majali
  • Tweet from @alekhbariyaPROG: Dr Sanad Al-Harbi
• GF-TADs Events Detail: Joint workshop of the GF-TADs Middle East for foot-and-mouth disease and peste des petits ruminants regional roadmaps
• GF-TADs Strategy for 2021–2025: Enhancing control of transboundary animal diseases for global health
• PESTE DES PETITS RUMINANTS GLOBAL ERADICATION PROGRAMME II & III
• Global Strategy for the Control and Eradication of PPR
• The Global FMD Control Strategy