FAO and Partners Launch PPR Vaccination Campaign to Protect Livelihoods in Northern Ghana
Strengthening Resilience Through Animal Health Interventions
In a decisive effort to boost livestock health and strengthen rural resilience, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), has launched a targeted vaccination campaign against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in selected districts of Ghana’s Savannah Region. The initiative, funded by the Government of Norway, forms part of the FAO project “Strengthening Resilience of Vulnerable Communities in Northern Ghana Through Climate-Resilient Livelihoods and Integrated Environmental Practices”.
The vaccination campaign is being carried out in Central Gonja and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba districts in the Savannah Region. These areas are particularly vulnerable to livestock diseases like PPR, which threatens the productivity and livelihoods of smallholder farmers, especially women and persons with disabilities who depend on sheep and goats as a primary source of income.
As part of the campaign, FAO has trained 24 veterinary officers and community livestock workers on effective vaccination practices, disease detection, and farmer engagement. In addition, participants were equipped to use Kobo Collect, a digital tool for real-time data collection, to ensure accurate tracking of vaccinated animals and disaggregated farmer data by gender and species.
“Empowering veterinary staff and local communities with the right tools and knowledge is central to building resilience in rural areas,” said Priya Gujadhur, the FAO Representative to Ghana, add interim. “This campaign supports both food security and sustainable livelihoods by minimizing the devastating impacts of livestock diseases like PPR.”
“Norway is proud to support this important initiative, which not only protects the livelihoods of vulnerable farmers but also strengthens the resilience of entire communities. Investing in animal health is an investment in food security, rural development, and long-term sustainability. We commend FAO and the Government of Ghana for their commitment to building a healthier and more resilient livestock sector.” Said Ms Ingrid Mollesta, the Norwegian Ambassador to Ghana.
Through a combination of training, community mobilization, and animal vaccination, the campaign aims to reach at least 3,500 small ruminants (sheep and goats) and sensitize over 3,000 farmers on the importance of routine animal health practices. Educational materials and awareness posters have been distributed across all targeted communities to reinforce the messaging and encourage participation.
The initiative aligns with FAO’s broader efforts to promote climate-resilient agriculture and reduce the vulnerability of rural households in the face of recurring shocks. It also contributes to the Government of Ghana’s priorities for early warning systems and proactive disease control under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s livestock development strategy.