Kenya marks milestone with inaugural One Health Conference

The inaugural Kenya One Health Conference, held on November 6th and 7th in Nairobi, brought together experts from the human, animal, and environmental sectors to champion a unified approach to health.

The One Health approach is based on the understanding that the well-being of people is closely linked to the health of animals and the environment.

With most emerging infectious diseases originating from animals, and environmental degradation worsening their spread, coordinated action across sectors is now seen as essential.

Through this approach, Kenya seeks to strengthen disease prevention, promote responsible antimicrobial use, and build resilient health systems capable of withstanding future pandemics.

“Many diseases are transmitted from the environment to animals and humans. We have seen the effects of these diseases on our healthcare systems and communities,” said Dr. Brenda Obondo, CEO of the Kenya Medical Association.

“The One Health approach ensures that through evidence sharing, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, we can build stronger healthcare systems that protect our environment, animals, and people.”

Dr. Obondo emphasized that prevention lies at the heart of effective action.

Community health promoters are key in increasing awareness of hygiene, animal care, and environmental conservation.

She noted that women, who are often primary caregivers for families and livestock, must be central in education and policy discussions.

Collaboration Over Isolation

For decades, health practitioners in Kenya have approached disease control from separate fronts. The One Health model calls for a shift from this siloed approach.

“Working in isolation is not the best approach,” Dr. Obondo noted.

“Public health demands collaboration among the human, animal, and environmental sectors. This strengthens pandemic preparedness and response.”

Dr. Kelvin Osore, President of the Kenya Veterinary Association, described the conference as the beginning of a national effort to address zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

“For a long time, we have spoken about One Health as an approach Kenya can adopt to address zoonotic pandemics and AMR. Today’s inaugural conference is the first step toward putting this into action,” he said.

Dr. Osore pointed to rabies as an example of a problem that can be solved through joint action.

“Rabies is 99% preventable if we vaccinate our dogs, educate the public, and strengthen surveillance. But these efforts can only succeed if we work together.”

He referenced Kenya’s Rabies Elimination Strategy (2014–2030), which targets the elimination of dog-mediated rabies through mass vaccination, population control, and public education.

Government Commitment

Representing the Directorate of Veterinary Services, Senior Deputy Director Dr. Sabenzia Wekesa commended KMA and KVA for advancing the One Health agenda.

“This gathering is not merely an event; it is a critical mobilization of the nation’s best minds, united by the understanding that the health of humans, animals, and our environment is intimately linked,” she said.

She described antimicrobial resistance as a “silent pandemic” that threatens decades of medical progress.

Dr. Wekesa noted that 60% of human infections originate from animals, stressing the importance of strong animal health surveillance and responsible husbandry.

Dominic Imumbu, from the State Department of Environment and Climate Change, highlighted the government’s mandate to safeguard the environment, one of the three pillars of the One Health framework.

“The Constitution of Kenya provides the right to a clean and healthy environment. We are proud to be part of the One Health approach alongside the health and veterinary sectors,” he said.

He added that collaboration is critical to ensuring chemicals used in agriculture and veterinary care are safely managed to prevent pollution and protect public health.

National and Global Alignment

Representing the Ministry of Health, Dr. Stephen Muleshe, speaking on behalf of Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth, emphasized that multi-sectoral collaboration is central to national health security.

“Emerging diseases are increasingly linked to animals and the environment. As custodians of human health, we must work closely with other sectors to ensure optimal health for all,” he said.

He noted that Kenya aligns with global frameworks such as the International Health Regulations and the Pandemic Treaty, which guide disease prevention and preparedness.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Victor Yamo, Executive Director of the Global One Health Advocacy Alliance and Chair of the Conference Planning Committee, explained that the conference formed part of the Global One Health Day celebrations on November 3rd.

“Our goal was to start the journey of sensitization and awareness creation about One Health — educating the public on what it is, why it matters, and how it can be implemented,” he said.

The conference received 105 submissions, with 35 presentations across six thematic areas: diseases and pandemics, AMR, sustainable food systems, risk and gender, policy and One Health, and climate change.

Participants included medical professionals, veterinarians, environmentalists, academics, and media practitioners.

Dr. Yamo expressed hope that the conference will become an annual event, with plans underway for a regional East Africa One Health Conference next year.

“One Health is about improving health outcomes for all. You don’t have to be a doctor or veterinarian to be part of it. Everyone, researchers, farmers, policymakers, and the public have a role,” he concluded.

As Kenya embraces One Health, the conference marks a key step toward stronger collaboration, improved disease prevention, and a healthier shared future for people, animals, and the environment.

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