One Health in Turkana, Kenya

In the CABI series of One Health cases, Evan Griffith and colleagues in the Turkana County Government Directorate of Veterinary Services have published the case of “One Health in Turkana, Kenya: applications and lessons learned” (2023, 15pp).

The marginalisation of pastoralist communities in northern Kenya, including the lack of basic infrastructure and services, compounded by the increasing threat of infectious disease and climate change, has led to poor health and loss of livelihoods. This case describes the development of the One Health Strategy in Turkana County and the associated outreach activities, identifying their benefits and limitations, such as being resource and time intensive. One Health service delivery improved access to human and animal health and administrative services in rural Turkana. Empowering communities to lead and take ownership of One Health activities proved to be critical for implementation. Turkana provides an example of how One Health policy can be turned into practice through multilevel coordination structures, the support of public and private partners, and transdisciplinary research. It can act as a model for implementing One Health activities in northern Kenya and neighbouring pastoral areas.

Posted on 9 July 2023 in Pastoralism & Services