Kenya Hosting Landmark One Health Conference: Strengthening Cross-Sector Health Collaboration
Posted by JIM MWANDA
Kenya will host its first One Health Conference on November 6–7, 2025, in Nairobi, bringing together experts from health, veterinary, and environmental sectors to tackle emerging threats such as pandemics, zoonotic diseases, and antimicrobial resistance under the theme “By Protecting One, We Protect All.”
Nairobi Kenya
In Summary
Kenya is set to host its first-ever One Health Conference from November 6–7, 2025, in Nairobi; a landmark event uniting medical, veterinary, and environmental experts to address shared health threats such as pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety. Organized by the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) and the Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA), the two-day conference seeks to promote integrated health policies and inspire collaboration across disciplines under the theme “By Protecting One, We Protect All.”
Kenya will, for the first time, host a high-level One Health Conference that brings together experts and policymakers from across Africa to tackle emerging public health threats that span humans, animals, and the environment.
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Scheduled for November 6–7, 2025, the Nairobi-based forum is expected to draw delegates from over ten African countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Nigeria. The event coincides with global One Health Day celebrations, which highlight the importance of coordinated action to prevent future pandemics.
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Jointly organized by the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) and the Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA), the conference enjoys support from key international partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and the One Health High-Level Expert Panel.
A Holistic Approach to Health Security
Speaking ahead of the event, Dr. Victor Yamo, Chair of the One Health Planning Committee, emphasized that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and ecosystems.
“Nearly 70 percent of emerging infectious diseases originate from animals,” he said. “Until we address animal and environmental health, human health will remain vulnerable. This conference is a call for collaboration, not competition.”
The One Health approach promotes shared responsibility across sectors to prevent, detect, and respond to health risks. It aims to bridge research, public policy, and field interventions to create a more resilient and preventive health ecosystem.
Policy, Research, and Youth Empowerment
Dr. Simon Kigondu, President of KMA, described the forum as a catalyst for transformative action.
“Health security cannot exist in silos. Environmental degradation, food safety, and antimicrobial resistance are shared threats. They require shared solutions,” he said.
The conference will feature policy roundtables, scientific presentations, and youth innovation challenges. Students from universities across Kenya and East Africa will participate in pre-conference webinars and research competitions focused on developing sustainable, evidence-based health interventions.
According to Dr. Kelvin Osore, Chairperson of KVA, over 30 scientific abstracts have been received from researchers in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
“This reflects growing confidence in Kenya’s leadership in regional health collaboration,” he said.
From Policy to Grassroots Impact
Beyond the boardrooms, the conference will include community outreach in Thika, featuring a farmers’ field day and a joint medical camp. These activities will demonstrate how One Health principles can be applied at the community level to prevent zoonotic diseases and improve livelihoods.
Dr. Yamo highlighted that engaging communities is key to sustaining change.
“We are investing in young minds and local communities — because real transformation begins at the grassroots,” he said.
Kenya’s Rising Global Profile
Kenya’s growing influence in global health circles was recently reinforced when Dr. Jackline Kitulu, a member of KMA, became the President of the World Medical Association (WMA)— a milestone that underscores Kenya’s contribution to the international health agenda.
“This global recognition shows that Kenya’s voice in shaping One Health policy is stronger than ever,” noted Dr. Kigondu.
A Shared Vision for a Safer Future
Running under the theme “By Protecting One, We Protect All,” the Nairobi conference aims to influence national policy, enhance pandemic preparedness, and strengthen Africa’s position in the global One Health movement.
As Kenya steps forward to lead this agenda, experts believe the event will leave a lasting legacy of collaboration — turning shared knowledge into shared action.
“The One Health Conference is not just an event; it’s a movement toward a healthier, more resilient world,” said Dr. Osore.
