Africa-Press – Gambia. The Department of Livestock Services (DLS), in collaboration with the P2-P2RS project, on Monday, 14 October 2925 launched a nationwide vaccination campaign against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) at Tumani Tenda in the West Coast Region. The initiative seeks to protect small ruminants from one of the major causes of livestock losses in The Gambia.
Regional Director of the DLS, Isatou Savage, described Tumani Tenda as a model community in small ruminant production. She emphasized the importance of the vaccination drive, noting that PPR causes substantial economic losses for farmers each year.
“Today marks an important milestone in livestock production in the West Coast Region,” she stated.
Mamudou Njie, Project Director for Small Ruminants, commended the community for its successful pasture management and readiness to host healthy animals. He stressed that controlling PPR remains central to the project’s objectives, with the long-term target of reducing small ruminant mortality to below 10 per cent.
Mr. Njie explained that this is the third vaccination cycle, following earlier campaigns funded by ECOWAS and other projects, which achieved an 87 percent coverage rate.
“The vaccine used can last up to four years, which aligns with the average lifespan of small ruminants,” he noted.
The current campaign, supported by US$5 million in funding from P2-P2RS, covers vaccine procurement, logistics, and other support mechanisms to ensure maximum national coverage before the project concludes.
Dr. Abou Ceesay, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, commended the collaboration between DLS and P2-P2RS, emphasising that the partnership demonstrates their shared commitment to farmers’ welfare.
“This campaign is a clear testimony that we are working together towards improving livestock production and productivity,” he said.
The launch reaffirms The Gambia’s commitment to strengthening small ruminant health, boosting livestock productivity, and enhancing national food security through effective partnerships between government institutions and development partners.
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