FAO with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), will host two back-to-back meetings under the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs): the 4th Meeting of the FAO-WOAH Rinderpest Holding Facilities (RHF) Network and the 20th Meeting of the FAO-WOAH Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) for Rinderpest.

The RHF Network meeting, taking place from 22–23 April 2025, aims to strengthen coordination among designated Rinderpest Holding Facilities. Participants will share updates, review progress on the 2024–2026 work plan, and collaborate on initiatives such as the global reduction of rinderpest virus-containing material (RVCM), standard operating procedures for emergency vaccine deployment, and the use of non-infectious diagnostic assays. The meeting will also enhance understanding of the Global Rinderpest Action Plan.

Following this, the 20th JAC meeting on 24–25 April 2025 will bring together scientific advisors to review the implementation of previous recommendations, assess inspection reports of RHFs, evaluate ongoing and pending research proposals, and refine the advocacy strategy for RVCM reduction. The Committee will also provide strategic guidance on sustaining global rinderpest-free status and advancing GRAP in the post-eradication era.

Both meetings will contribute to ensuring robust preparedness, biosecurity, and long-term safeguarding against the re-emergence of rinderpest.