County Departments Collaborate to Launch Integrated One Health Unit

LOKIRIAMA, Kenya — The Departments of Health, Livestock Development, and Environment have united to form the County One Health Unit, focusing on promoting the health of humans, animals, and the environment within the pastoral communities. The initiative aims to streamline efforts to address primary healthcare and reduce the occurrence of zoonotic diseases.

According to Kenya News Agency, the collaboration was highlighted during a visit by the USAID Kenya Mission, led by Deputy Director for the Health Office Heidi O’Bra, and the Core Group Partners Project (CGPP) Secretariat, directed by Somane Mohamed. The delegation was on a field visit to Lokiriama Sub-County to evaluate the impacts of the One Health activities.

Chief Officers from the County Government, including Peter Lomorukai of Preventive and Promotive Health, Dr. Gilchrist Lokoel of Medical Services, and Dr. Ezekiel Etelej Ekuwam of Livestock Development, showcased the achievements and identified gaps in the implementation of the One Health Strategy. The strategy has been marked as a significant step forward for the County, with plans to extend its application to sub-county levels and the finalization of the One Health Bill and Policy to secure county government funding and sustainability.

Dr. Lokoel highlighted that 60% of the county’s population consists of pure pastoralists. He emphasized that the One Health approach has facilitated the delivery of services to this highly mobile group. The integration of community health reporters and community disease reporters into a combined reporting system was proposed to further reduce zoonotic disease cases.

Dr. Etelej reported that the Veterinary Services Directorate had trained 786 community disease reporters, aiming for a target of 1500. Feedback from recent One Health activities revealed issues such as limited water access, prompting the inclusion of County Water Services into the One Health approach.

USAID representative Heidi O’Bra praised the county’s initiative and focus on community-based solutions as essential for sustainable change. CGPP Director Mohamed stated that the field visit aimed to facilitate learning and experience sharing to identify and address existing gaps. The visit was also supported by partners from the International Rescue Committee and USAID Imarisha Jamii.