The County Government of Turkana has launched its ‘One Health Strategy’(2023-2027) becoming the first County in Kenya to achieve this significant milestone.

The Strategy focuses on integrating efforts to combat infectious diseases, enhance food safety, and promote environmental sustainability by creating a more resilient and responsive healthcare system.

Speaking while presiding over the launch, Rt. Hon Speaker Christopher Doye, who represented the Turkana Governor, lauded the county on being the first in the country to develop the strategy.

He expressed optimism about the strategy’s potential to strengthen the region’s healthcare infrastructure and foster collaboration among various stakeholders in the County.

Speaker Nakuleu also called for the fast-tracking of the ‘One Health Policy’ to guide the implementation of the Strategy, to have rational outcomes.

County Executive for Livestock Development Dr Anthony Apalia noted that the Strategy aligns with the county’s commitment to building a healthier and more sustainable future for local communities.

“By working together across sectors, we can address health challenges more effectively,” he said

His Environment counterpart, Elizabeth Loote termed the Strategy important, as it would enhance the resilience of the ecosystem for the well-being of humans and livestock.

It will also bring services closer to the people, especially in the kraals.

Core Group Partners’ Project Secretariat Deputy Director Josephine Ihahi, emphasized the need for community engagement and public education to raise awareness about the interconnected nature of health.

“We should engage the community through the county’s one health unit to understand the contents of the Strategy,” she said.

Key components of the Strategy include collaborative disease surveillance, joint research projects, and the establishment of multi-disciplinary task forces.

Other Senior officials who spoke were Chief Officers Dr. Ezekiel Etelej (Livestock Development), Dr. Gilchrist Lokoel(Medical Services), Joseph Ekalale (Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change), Peter Lomorukai (Preventive and promotive) and Janerose Tioko (Agriculture and Land Reclamation)

Also present were County Directors and representatives from partners.