Transdisciplinary Consultants

04/12/2024

Thrilled to announce that after months of collaboration with through our ZoNoh Project partners (Wageningen University & Research, Amref Health Africa, Vétérinaire sans frontières Suisse, FAO Kenya, ZDU Kenya, ZED Research Group, Kenya Red Cross & UBJ) we have today successfully launched the Kakamega One Health Strategy 2024-2029.

This milestone was marked by the signing of a tripartite Interdepartmental Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Health Services; Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Veterinary Services, Fisheries, and Cooperative Development; and the Department of Water, Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change.

The launch event brought together leaders from multiple sectors—health, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, cooperatives, water, environment, natural resources, and climate change—alongside national and international partners. This united front underscores the critical role of the One Health approach in combating zoonotic diseases like anthrax and rabies that have recently affected Kakamega County.

The Kakamega One Health Strategy 2024-2029 provides a comprehensive roadmap to enhance disease prevention and control through collaborative, multisectoral efforts. We are proud to be part of this initiative that fosters synergy across sectors impacting human, animal, and environmental health. Together, we’re advancing health security and making a lasting difference in our community.

18/09/2024

It was a privilege to participate in the After-Action Review of the 2024 anthrax outbreak in Kenya, held in Machakos from 9-11 September 2024, organized by FAO Kenya.

WHAT IS ANTHRAX, AND HOW DOES IT SPREAD

Anthrax is a preventable zoonotic disease that affects both animals and humans. Animals contract it through contaminated vegetation and soil, while humans are exposed by handling infected animals, contaminated animal products, or direct exposure. One of the attached photos shows the cutaneous form of anthrax in humans, typically characterized by a painless ulcer with a black center (eschar).

Here are a few key takeaways from Day 1:

1. LOW VACCINATION RATES: In one of the outbreak-affected counties (Murang’a), only 2% of animals were vaccinated against anthrax, far below the recommended 80% coverage required for effective outbreak control. This highlights a significant gap in prevention efforts.

2. THE ROLE OF BEHAVIOR CHANGE: Effective anthrax control requires not only medical interventions but also behavior change. Cultural practices, such as the belief that cows should not be buried with their skins to avoid losing the herd, need to be addressed through targeted community outreach and education.

3. DID YOU KNOW? Kenya has a National Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Anthrax in Humans and Animals (2021-2036). You can read more about it at the link below

http://guidelines.health.go.ke:8000/media/Anthrax-Control-Strategy_Kenya_2021-2036.pdf

4. ONE HEALTH APPROACH TO ADDRESS ANTHRAX: As a One Health practitioner, it was encouraging to see the acknowledgment that no single sector or organization can tackle anthrax alone. This emphasizes the importance of adopting a One Health approach, which fosters collaboration across sectors and disciplines.

06/05/2024

John Mwangi, MoE - Climate Change & Forestry, stressed the need for global efforts in reducing risks, especially considering the impact of climate change on future transmissions

06/05/2024

Dr Khadija Chepkorir underscored the power of collaboration across health sectors in combating zoonotic diseases. Establishing Kakamega COHU is a critical step towards enhancing our response capabilities

06/05/2024

Dr Kadenge (CDVS, Kakamega) emphasized the interconnectedness of human and animal health in addressing environmental challenges and antimicrobial resistance

06/05/2024

Exciting news! We're partnering with the Zoonotic Disease Unit (ZDU), Kakamega County Government and other partners to establish a County One Health Unit (COHU) in Kakamega County through

24/04/2024

The AFROHUN One Health Academy & Dennis Carroll One Health Fellowship Program were unveiled during the 4th conference

Learn more about the academy and fellowship at this link https://academy.afrohun.org

24/04/2024

During the 4th Africa One Health University Network conference the Dennis Carroll One Health Fellowship (DCOHF) Program accepting applications. For details visit https://academy.afrohun.org

20/02/2024

ZoNoH – preventing zoonoses in Kenya by putting One Health into action

https://www.wur.nl/en/project/zonoh-preventing-zoonoses-in-kenya-by-putting-one-health-into-action.htm

As COVID-19 reminded us, the risk for pandemics from zoonotic origin are high In Kenya, the prevalence of zoonotic infection diseases remains extremely high and poses a significant burden on society and economy. The ZoNoH project aims to strengthen the capacity of two Kenyan One Health Units, allowi...

09/01/2024

🌍 Call for Kenyan Communication Agencies!

🤝 Join the ZoNoH Project, a collaborative initiative between TCL & WUR, in a transformative role to support County One Health Units.

🚀 We need your expertise in: (1) Crafting compelling infographics & videos; (2) Revitalizing our communication strategy; (3) Assessing the impact of our messaging.

📩 Apply by 24 Jan 2024! Details & TOR 👉 https://www.onehealthconsult.com/call-for-proposals-kenyan-communication-agency-to-support-zonoh-project/

Let's co-create solutions for a healthier world!

07/09/2023

Thoughtful Pig video

Today, over a billion pigs are held in appalling conditions in factory farms around the world. Their short, tormented lives are full of fear, pain, and suffe...

12/07/2023

Kick-Off workshop held to mark the launch of the ZoNoH Project!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the ZoNoH project, the result of a collaborative effort between Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation (WCDI) and Transdisciplinary Consultants (TCL) and funded by ERRAZE@WUR.

In recent years, we have witnessed the devastating impact of zoonotic diseases on both human and animal health, as well as the global economy. It is clear that a paradigm shift is needed to effectively prevent and respond to these threats.

By bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds, ZoNoH aims to integrate the food systems and the one health approach through a holistic service to support decision-makers in addressing the risks associated with zoonotic diseases and prevent future pandemics, starting in Kenya.

The virtual workshop marked a start of the ZoNoH project implementation and we look forward to collaborating with the team and future partners.

Learn more about the ZoNoH at this link https://www.onehealthconsult.com/project/zonoh-project/