One Health

The One Health Programme is designed to address the link between human, environmental and wildlife health in and around the Kakamega Forest National Reserve, under the Kenya Wildlife Service — focusing on the interconnectedness of people, baboons, monkeys and other wildlife.

The approach shall prevent the transmission of zoonotic diseases through sustainable forest management practices, wildlife corridors that reduce human–wildlife interactions, and biodiversity conservation as a natural barrier against disease emergence. Community members are engaged in the design and implementation of interventions, recognising the need for cultural appropriateness and community benefit.

Why it matters

Deforestation and habitat fragmentation disrupt the delicate balance in forest ecosystems. This can bring wild animals, often carrying zoonotic diseases, into closer contact with humans and livestock. Through One Health, K-BIAN is promoting practices such as sustainable forest management and wildlife corridor creation, to minimise human–wildlife interaction and reduce the risk of disease spill-over.

Healthy, diverse forests act as natural barriers against the emergence of infectious diseases, due to the richness and diversity of plant and animal life fostering a stable ecosystem where pathogens struggle to survive. Protecting endangered species and preventing the introduction of invasive plants, micro-organisms and animals is part of the programme's approach to biodiversity conservation.

In forested areas of Kenya, some of the most common zoonotic diseases include brucellosis, rabies, anthrax, Rift Valley fever, trypanosomiasis, Q fever and salmonellosis. Public health awareness and education are crucial to prevent the spread of these diseases, including proper handling of animals, safe consumption of animal products, and awareness of disease transmission routes.