In the rugged, drought-prone landscapes of Marsabit County, northern Kenya, nomadic farmers shepherd their herds of livestock, moving them to the meager water sources scattered across vast expanses of grazing land. This nomadic lifestyle, which sustains the livelihoods of over 80% of Kenya’s population, is deeply intertwined with agriculture, which contributes a third of the nation’s gross domestic product. However, the very survival of these pastoral communities and their agricultural practices is under constant threat from outbreaks of infectious diseases that affect both livestock and humans.
Marsabit County, in particular, faced an alarming outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in late 2023. This viral disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes to livestock and then to humans, posed a significant threat to both the region’s agricultural economy and the health of its people. The outbreak was a stark reminder of the vulnerability of rural communities to disease, but it also showcased the coordinated efforts made to respond to such challenges.
RVF is a viral infection primarily spread by mosquitoes. During periods of heavy rainfall and flooding, mosquito populations increase, raising the risk of disease transmission. In late 2023, torrential El Niño rains swept across Marsabit and neighboring counties, causing widespread flooding. The stagnant waters created the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. As these mosquitoes bit livestock, they transmitted the virus, which can be fatal to animals, particularly adult livestock and pregnant animals, whose pregnancies are often lost. While human cases of RVF are less common, the disease can cause severe complications, including encephalitis, hemorrhagic fever, and even blindness.
The World Health Organization recognizes RVF as a priority pathogen due to its epidemic potential and the fact that, while vaccines are available for animals, there is no vaccine for humans.
Kenya is one of the countries identified as a priority by the Global Health Security Agenda, and efforts to enhance the country’s ability to manage infectious disease outbreaks have been critical. In 2020, the Enhancing Global Health Security (EGHS) project was launched, spearheaded by FHI 360 and funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This initiative, which is helping Kenya and 16 other nations strengthen their disease surveillance systems, aims to improve preparedness and response to diseases like RVF.
In Marsabit, the local health authorities, with support from FHI 360, had been monitoring weather patterns and predicted that the El Niño rains would increase the likelihood of a Rift Valley fever outbreak. By proactively training local communities, mapping areas with high livestock concentrations, and vaccinating animals, they sought to mitigate the outbreak before it spiraled out of control.
When the first case of Rift Valley fever was reported in early 2024, a farmer presenting with a fever at the Marsabit County Referral Hospital, the response was swift. Health workers, already on high alert due to reports of infected camels, quickly identified the case and alerted the necessary authorities. FHI 360, in collaboration with CDC Kenya and the Ministry of Health, coordinated efforts to investigate and contain the outbreak.
An important aspect of this response was the application of the 7-1-7 framework, developed by Resolve to Save Lives. This framework sets time-based targets to identify bottlenecks and ensure a more efficient outbreak response: detect an outbreak within seven days, notify authorities within one day, and initiate a response within seven days. The analysis of Marsabit’s response revealed areas for improvement, such as delays in testing due to a shortage of testing chemicals. The local health authorities quickly addressed this issue by supplying the necessary resources.
The Rift Valley fever outbreak in Marsabit exemplifies the importance of a One Health approach to public health—recognizing that human health is deeply connected to animal health and the environment. The increased frequency of disease outbreaks driven by climate change underscores the need for coordinated efforts between the animal health sector and the public health sector.
Mungai Ndung’u, country representative for FHI 360’s global health security team in Kenya, highlights the value of this collaborative effort: “The investigation in Marsabit County illustrates the importance of collaboration between the animal health sector and the human health sector. Continuing to support these types of investigations will strengthen the One Health approach worldwide.”
The lessons learned from the Rift Valley fever outbreak in Marsabit have already had a lasting impact. Kenya’s public health authorities are now applying the 7-1-7 framework to outbreaks of other diseases, such as malaria and anthrax. By continuously improving outbreak detection and response systems, Kenya is better prepared to handle future public health crises.
This integrated approach not only protects the health of people and animals but also secures the future of Kenya’s agricultural economy, which is vital to the nation’s survival and prosperity. Through continued collaboration, resource mobilization, and a shared commitment to addressing health risks, Kenya is paving the way for a safer, more resilient future in the face of climate challenges.
