Evolution of OH Approach in Kenya Sample Clauses

Evolution of OH Approach in Kenya. In 2006, Kenya, like many other countries in the world, formed a multi-sectoral National Influenza Taskforce (NIT) in response to the threat of the H5N1 avian influenza that originated from Southeast Asia and was rapidly spreading worldwide. The NIT consisted of experts from the country’s human and animal health sectors, World Health Organization (WHO), United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Africa Union–Inter Africa Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and local universities. In addition, the Kenya military, police, and National Disaster Management Authority were represented. Kenya was not affected by the H5N1 avian influenza. However, when a severe outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) was reported in Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania in 2006-2007, resulting in over 1100 confirmed cases in the three countries, Kenya used the NIT taskforce in mounting a coordinated response to the outbreak. This more rapid and better coordinated response appeared to result in more effective management of the outbreak that led to less morbidity and mortality in both humans and animals when compared to a similar RVF outbreak in 1997-1998. After the RVF outbreak the NIT was renamed the Zoonoses Technical Working Group (ZTWG) and has continued to hold quarterly meetings. The ZTWG held a 3- day workshop in September 22-24, 2010 in Naivasha, where a decision to create a One Health (OH) unit, nestled between the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation