Lodwar| June 24, 2026(Public Communications and Media Relations)
Turkana County joins other 25 counties in operationalizing Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC). This is after Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) visited the county health and veterinary services leadership, and other departments for green light and county entry meetings.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Department of Health and Sanitation Services, the National PHEOC Manager, Dr. Michelle Wangui said that Turkana has been prioritised because of its strategic location that makes it ideal for the first County PHEOC. This will support both human and animal health emergency response.
“Turkana is prone to public health risks in the recent past, hosts Kakuma refugee camp, and borders three countries makes it ideal for the local and regional emergency operation centre, while at the same time, boosting emergency response regionally,” said Dr Wangui.
She further added, PHEOCs serve as hubs for coordination, information and resource management in public health emergencies, a key part in Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) systems.
Optimal PHEM reduces adverse health and socioeconomic impacts on communities and individuals affected by public health emergencies.
The Director For Preventive and promotive Health, Daniel Esimit who hosted the team on behalf of the CECM said that it was an aspiration of Turkana team to have a functional PHEOC. He added that the County Government has the necessary human resource trained in field Epidemiology both in health and veterinary to functionalise the PHEOC.
The PHEOC readiness assessment was conducted at the MoH headquarters where it will be located.
The Department of Public Works assessed the proposed space and location for the facility accompanied by administration and the County Disease Surveillance Team members.
The team later visited the Development of Livestock Development, where they were hosted by the Chief Officer for Livestock Development, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Peter Ikaru. The Chief welcomed the command centre initiative saying it incorporates One Health Concept.
“Our One Health Strategy will get a boost with a joint command centre for swift public health and veterinary officers’real-time emergency response,” said Chief Ikaru.
He pledged full support from the department through the Veterinary Services directorate to make the centre a big success.
Dr. Benson Long’or, Director of Veterinary Services said, ”The PHEOC is a win, and will use the One Health Approach incorporating Health,Veterinary services and Environment, enhancing preparedness and response to all emergencies.
Noting the importance of the facility in Turkana, Director Long’or said he will deploy the necessary human resource from the directorate to drive the centre’s set-up.
The PHEOC establishment and operationalization is supported by STRIDES Project through funding from US state Department (DoS).
Dr Erenius Nakadio (One Health Co-Focal Person) was present during the meeting. Dr. Jacob Khaoya (Deputy Chief of Party at AMREF Health Africa), Dr. Tura Galgalo (FHI360), and Dr. Suba Astel (Veterinary Officer, National Directorate of Veterinary Services) were also present.
