Kakamega County Collaborates to Combat Zoonotic Diseases
In response to the rising global threat of zoonotic diseases, Kakamega County is adopting a multisectoral approach to enhance disease prevention efforts. Key stakeholders convened recently for a sensitization meeting led by Dr. Kelvin Momanyi, Country Coordinator of the ZoNoH Project—”Putting One Health into Action.” The gathering included County Executives from Health, Agriculture, and Environment sectors, emphasizing the urgent need for integrated strategies to tackle diseases such as anthrax, rabies, and brucellosis.
The meeting focused on the One Health approach, which connects human, animal, and environmental health to address global health security and the management of zoonotic diseases. Executives were updated on the establishment of County One Health Units (COHU), aimed at ensuring sustainable disease prevention efforts. Once operational, the Kakamega COHU is set to serve as a model for other counties seeking to implement similar strategies.
County leaders, including CECMs Dr. Bernard Wesonga (Health Services), Mr. Godfrey Owori (Agriculture), and Mrs. Peninah Mukabane (Environment), discussed the initiative’s alignment with Governor Fernandes Barasa’s Health and Sanitation agenda. The County Government is currently working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize the One Health initiative.
Among those in attendance were County Attorney CS Vivian Mmbaka, Chief Officers, and representatives from the Zoonotic Disease Unit at the Directorate of Veterinary Services, including Dr. Khadija Chepkorir. This collaboration highlights Kakamega’s commitment to safeguarding public health through proactive and coordinated action against zoonotic diseases.
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