Turkana: The Department of Health and Sanitation in Turkana County has drafted the One Health Bill and established a Technical Working Group (TWG) to collaboratively address interconnected health challenges, particularly focusing on early disease prevention and swift responses during disease outbreaks.
According to Kenya News Agency, the drafting meeting, supported by the Kenya Red Cross Society, aims to provide a legal framework for collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health sectors through shared governance and resource allocation. The framework is expected to drive coordinated action in implementing One Health interventions in Turkana.
Speaking during the meeting, acting Deputy Director of Public Health, Ismael Ekaran, highlighted that institutionalizing the One Health approach will create an efficient system for tackling complex health threats such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, climate-related risks, and other environmental health challenges. He noted that the bill will mandate collaboration across multiple sectors to address health gaps, which is crucial for controlling zoonotic diseases by requiring simultaneous action in human, animal, and environmental health.
The meeting also emphasized the importance of strengthening Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) around the Social Health Authority (SHA) to promote positive health outcomes and empower communities to adopt healthier practices. Director of Veterinary Services, Benson Long’or, called for increased investment to accelerate the One Health agenda by intensifying livestock and human health interventions, stressing the need for adequate budgetary support to ensure sustainability and local ownership.
County One Health Coordinator, Kipkorir Rotich, informed participants that the county is actively working on the One Health Bill to advocate for dedicated financial resources. He stated that the bill will enhance the county’s implementation plan for countering health threats, improving pandemic preparedness, and enhancing overall health security.
Rotich also noted that the ongoing first phase of the PREPARE Project is contributing to One Health objectives, particularly through insights from the recently concluded Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey on community-based surveillance and pandemic response in Lokiriama and Nadapal points of entry. Additionally, he reported on interventional research concerning antimicrobial resistance affecting both refugee and host communities in Kakuma, with findings expected to be disseminated in October 2025.
The newly formed TWG presented its work plan for the next financial year to stakeholders and development partners in attendance. The forum was attended by senior officials from county and sub-county health management, livestock and environment departments, the Registrar of Persons, as well as representatives from Amref Imarisha Jamii, Danida Transcend Project, Welthungerhilfe, and the Kenya Red Cross Society.
