Chuka University Hosts Launch of One Health Blueprint

Chuka University hosted the official launch of Tharaka Nithi County’s One Health Strategic Plan for 2025-2029 on November 26, 2024. The event, aimed at strengthening public health efforts in the region, was presided over by Dr. Gichuyia Nthuraku M’Riara, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Public Health, Medical Services, and ICT. The newly unveiled strategy provides a comprehensive framework for implementing the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health. The plan outlines key interventions designed to address zoonotic diseases and other health threats, emphasizing cross-sector collaboration to reduce the public health burden in the county. In his remarks, Dr. M’Riara stressed the urgency of the strategy’s implementation and the need for robust monitoring to track progress and ensure timely, effective service delivery. He highlighted that monitoring performance indicators would be crucial for assessing the strategy’s impact and success. The launch event also featured a detailed presentation on the framework’s objectives, emphasizing the need for collaboration at the human-animal-environment interface to combat emerging public health challenges. Prof. Henry Mutembei, Vice-Chancellor, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting the strategy through research, innovation, and education, reinforcing the university’s role in advancing public health solutions in the region.