Community Health Promoters : Key Partners in One Health Approach

Community Health Promoters have been recognized as key partners under Kenya’s One Health Approach in detecting early signs of disease outbreaks and driving awareness on prevention.

Speaking during a One Health Conference, held in Nairobi, Dr. Brenda Obondo,CEO Kenya Medical Association emphasized that community health promoters serve as a crucial link between households and health systems, enabling early detection of disease outbreaks and improving response coordination between human, animal and environmental health sectors.

She noted that their grassroots presence helps translate national health policies into community action, fostering healthier environments and stronger disease surveillance.

     Brenda’s voice

“The One Health approach aims at strengthening collaboration among human, animal, and environmental health sectors in preventing and managing emerging public health threats,” mentioned Dr. Victor Yamo,Executive Director Global One Health Advocacy Alliance.

He noted that approximately 70 percent of new and recurring diseases are zoonotic in nature, emphasizing that sustainable solutions to human health problems must also address the health of animals.

Dr.Victor Yamo,Executive Director Global One Health Advocacy Alliance.

“One Health is about improving health outcomes for all. You do not have to be a doctor or veterinarian to be part of it. Researchers, farmers, policymakers, media and the general public have a role in this,”noted Dr.Yamo.

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

The approach was formally established in 2012 through a collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, with support from partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).

Currently, the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) and the Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) have partnered to strengthen the approach with an aim to enhance awareness, drive cross-sectoral partnerships, and ensure a more coordinated national response to shared health threats.