Nairobi: Kenya is preparing to host its inaugural One Health Conference, a high-level forum aimed at strengthening collaboration among human, animal, and environmental health sectors in preventing and managing emerging public health threats.
According to Kenya News Agency, the event, jointly organised by the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) and the Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA), will take place in November as part of a week-long series of activities leading up to the global One Health Day. Speaking during a media and stakeholders’ breakfast in Nairobi, KMA President Dr Simon Kigondu highlighted the One Health approach’s recognition of the interconnection between people, animals, and their environment, emphasizing the need for stronger cross-sector collaboration.
Dr Kigondu pointed out that global health crises like COVID-19 have shown that human health cannot be isolated from animal and environmental health. He mentioned that challenges such as environmental degradation, climate change, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety require collective solutions.
The KMA president also announced a significant achievement for Kenya on the global stage, with Dr Jackline Kitulu, a KMA member, inaugurated as President of the World Medical Association (WMA) during its recent General Assembly in Portugal. This milestone reflects Kenya’s leadership in promoting inter-professional cooperation and strengthening the One Health movement.
Dr Kigondu noted that the World Medical Association and the World Veterinary Association (WVA) have long promoted inter-professional cooperation, a model now being mirrored in Kenya through the collaboration between KMA and KVA. He emphasized that the conference aims to raise awareness and drive policy dialogue and practical action across various sectors, including government, academia, and civil society.
Chair of the One Health Planning Committee, Dr Victor Yamo, stated that preparations for the conference are in advanced stages, with Kenya’s event being the only One Health conference registered in Africa on the global One Health Day platform. The conference will run under the global theme ‘By Protecting One, We Protect All’ and will feature plenary sessions, student webinars, and community engagement activities.
KVA Chairperson Dr Kelvin Osore mentioned that the conference will serve as a platform to consolidate Kenya’s regional leadership in advancing the One Health agenda. He highlighted the Kenya One Health Collaborative’s role in promoting research, advocacy, and practical interventions on zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety. Dr Osore also cited examples of successful collaboration between doctors and veterinarians in controlling livestock-related diseases, stressing the importance of extending such approaches nationwide.
The One Health Conference represents a bold step towards building a healthier, more resilient nation, underscoring the principle that by protecting one, all are protected.