On April 25, 2025, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, hosted a delegation from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to discuss strategies for enhancing regional health emergency preparedness in response to Mpox. The meeting was a key step in advancing collaborative efforts between Kenya and the IGAD member countries to strengthen cross-border health security.
The discussions focused primarily on the implementation of a multi-sectoral One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health. This approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of these sectors and emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts in preventing and responding to emerging health threats. The One Health framework is particularly critical in the context of Mpox, as the disease has the potential to spread rapidly across borders, affecting both human and animal populations. By aligning efforts across various sectors, the One Health approach aims to improve early detection, response capabilities, and resource mobilization in the face of health emergencies.
During the meeting, PS Mary Muthoni highlighted Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its national and regional health security. She emphasized the government’s intention to operationalize the One Health approach, positioning it as a cornerstone of Kenya’s broader health preparedness strategy. This commitment underscores the country’s recognition of the need for comprehensive, multi-disciplinary interventions in addressing public health crises.
The IGAD delegation, led by Mr. Mubarak Mabuyu, Director for Health and Social Development, and Dr. Fatuma Adan, IGAD Head of Mission to Kenya, brought invaluable expertise to the discussions. Their participation underscored the importance of regional collaboration in managing health risks, particularly those posed by diseases like Mpox, which do not respect national boundaries. IGAD’s role in facilitating cross-border cooperation among its member states is critical to ensuring a unified and effective response to health threats.
The meeting also explored the establishment of joint mechanisms for information sharing, capacity building, and the harmonization of response strategies. These mechanisms will help ensure that all IGAD member states are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to effectively respond to potential outbreaks. By strengthening these regional networks, the IGAD countries can improve their collective resilience to health emergencies.
In addition to strengthening emergency preparedness, the discussions also touched on the importance of public health education and awareness. Raising awareness about Mpox and its transmission routes is essential in preventing the spread of the disease. The One Health approach also emphasizes the importance of surveillance systems to monitor both human and animal populations, ensuring early identification of cases and prompt response to any potential outbreaks.
PS Muthoni’s meeting with the IGAD delegation marks a significant step forward in the region’s efforts to safeguard public health. It highlights Kenya’s leadership in advancing collaborative health initiatives and its commitment to working with regional and international partners to combat emerging health threats. The One Health approach, with its focus on cross-sectoral collaboration, is expected to play a central role in enhancing preparedness and response capabilities for future health emergencies, not only in Kenya but throughout the IGAD region.
The outcomes of this meeting are expected to pave the way for further discussions and initiatives aimed at strengthening regional health security, particularly in the context of emerging infectious diseases like Mpox. With continued commitment and collaboration, the IGAD countries are better positioned to mitigate the impact of such health crises and protect their populations from future threats.
