A Great Milestone As Tharaka Nithi County Launches One Health Strategic Plan
Tharaka Nithi County’s Health Executive, Dr Gichuyia Nthuraku explaining a point during the launching exercise
Governor Muthomi Njuki Scores Another First In The Mountain Region, Barely Days After Being Named The Best Performing County Boss In The Area
By Mwenda Njeru
Tharaka Nithi County has achieved a great milestone in dealing with health challenges by launching its One Health Strategic Plan 2025-2029, becoming the third county in the country after Turkana and Isiolo.
The One Health model is an integrated, collaborative approach to addressing health issues that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
The main idea is that the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems is closely linked, and addressing health challenges in one area requires considering the other two.
This integrated approach is especially crucial in addressing emerging infectious diseases, the impacts of climate change, and health risks tied to the residents of Tharaka Nithi County where zoonotic diseases such as anthrax, kala-azar, rabies and brucellosis have been reported posing significant threats to human and animal health.
The launched One Health model also offers a timely, integrated solution to address the county’s health challenges, improving human and animal health while enhancing environmental sustainability which result in a boost even in the economy.
Speaking during the launch at Chuka University, County’s Health Executive, Dr Gichuyia Nthuraku said the document was developed by the county’s departments of Health; Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries; and Environment in partnership with Kenya Red Cross, FAO, Chuka University, Chuka University, Civil Societies Organisation, Finance Alliance for Health and Village Hopecore International among others.
Kala-azar reemergence
Dr Nthuraku commended the proactive approach noting that it is crucial in mitigating the impact of the zoonotic diseases which have emerged and others like kala-azar reemerged straining the public health systems.
“The One Health Strategy is vital in mitigating the impact of zoonotic diseases like kala-azar which have been reported in the last few years in Tharaka North Sub- County. The reemergence of these diseases could be as a result of global climate change and change in the way of living,” said Dr Nthuraku.
He said the past outbreaks led to not only economic losses but also deaths of people but with enhanced surveillance, the county is better positioned to detect potential outbreaks early.
Kenya Red Cross official, Nomi Ngaluya, insisted on the need to build the capacity of community members in order to achieve the targets in the document.
She noted that unless cascaded to the local person in the village the good document will only remain in the offices and will make no impact.
“Tharaka Nithi County is among the six devolved units which Kenya Red Cross is supporting to develop this document and I can confidently report that it is the best,” said Ms Ngaluya.
Great milestone
Mathew Mutiria from the Ministry of Health zoonotic disease department also lauded Tharaka Nithi County for a great milestone in the health sector noting that the improvement is notable nationally.
He said the Ministry of Health will continue partnering with counties to ensure that Kenyans are safe from emerging and reemerging diseases by coming up with the right strategies such as One Health.
“If implemented to the latter, this document will greatly help solve the zoonotic disease problems,” said Mr Mutiria.
Chuka University Vice-Chancellor, Prof Henry Mutembei said the One Health strategy demonstrates the power of cross-sector collaboration in building resilience, improving food security, and creating sustainable health systems.
He said the zoonotic diseases have reemerged in areas that were set out as quarantine areas many years ago including Karandini in Chuka Sub-County, the name which was coined by the locals from ‘quarantine’.
The professor lauded the warm working relationship between the institution and Tharaka Nithi County Government noting that the universities are supposed to help the government in research.
“We are working with Tharaka Nithi County and we look forward to doing more to help our people through research,” said Prof Mutembei.
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