Turkana County implements mobile One Health System for border communities

The Turkana County government, in collaboration with donor agencies, is implementing a mobile One Health system for pastoralist communities in Turkana residing along the borders of Uganda, Ethiopia, and Southern Sudan.

Speaking today at Loreng in Turkana West, Dr. Francis Mariao, the Turkana County Executive Member of Health and Sanitation, stated that the One Health system would extend human and livestock health services to the pastoralists living in the remote, far-flung areas bordering the three countries.

"It is a unique mobile system of taking government services to the communities who have a challenge to access government due to their nomadic lifestyle," said Dr. Mariao.

He mentioned that the National government would also provide services such as National identity cards, birth certificates, and Social Health Insurance Fund services. He affirmed that through collaborative efforts of the county, national, and donor partners, the communities would receive essential services.

The Country Director of Welthungerhilfe Kenya, Christian Schniepper, appreciated the outreach initiative to bring services closer to the people. Despite their role in empowering the community in food security, the organization will undertake the provision of nutritional programs in the One Health mobile services extended to the communities living in the remote borderline areas.

The Chief Officer for Medical Services, Dr. Gilchrist Lokoel, emphasized the challenges faced by pastoralists due to their nomadic lifestyle in search of water and pasture. He stated that the Mobile One Health approach would deliver a range of services, including nutrition, immunization, and primary health care services.

Partners involved in the One Health Services include USAID Imarisha Jamii, USAID NAWIRI, International Rescue Committee, World Vision, World Relief Kenya, and Kenya Red Cross.