The Kenya Public Health International Conference 2026, themed "One Health, Shared Future," will bring together national and county governments, public health professionals, researchers, and various stakeholders to discuss a collaborative approach to healthcare. The conference aims to translate this approach into practical action, examining integrated surveillance, laboratory systems, and emergency preparedness to improve public health threat management. According to Public Health PS Mary Muthoni, the conference will provide a forum for sharing solutions and experiences in addressing public health challenges.
The One Health approach recognizes the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health, and seeks to address the increasingly connected threats faced by Kenya and the wider region. These threats include infectious diseases, zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental degradation. A One Health approach enables various sectors to assess risks together, share information, and coordinate action, with a focus on prevention, preparedness, and response. This approach is particularly important in border areas, where timely surveillance and cross-border cooperation are crucial in containing threats.
Kenya has made significant progress in public health through policy reform, stronger governance, and sustained investment. The implementation of Universal Health Coverage through the Social Health Authority, expansion of primary health-care networks, and the community health strategy have brought essential services closer to households. The Epuka Uchafu Afya Nyumbani initiative complements these reforms by promoting hygiene, sanitation, and environmental cleanliness at the community level. These efforts aim to prevent illnesses and provide quality care when needed.
The conference will feature scientific presentations, exhibitions, and innovation sessions, offering opportunities to share solutions for surveillance, service delivery, prevention, and emergency response. Community Health Promoters will bring a household perspective to the discussions, sharing their experience in linking families to health facilities and identifying health concerns early. Their input will help policymakers design measures that respond to community needs and communicate health information effectively.
The conference will also focus on addressing noncommunicable diseases, which require prevention, early detection, and continuity of care, particularly during emergencies. Environmental and behavioral risks, such as air pollution, unsafe food, and climate-related stress, highlight the need for a public health system that can address both infectious and noncommunicable diseases. Quality and regulation are equally important, with Universal Health Coverage requiring assurance that services, medicines, and professionals meet established standards.
The value of the conference will depend on the actions that follow, with discussions expected to lead to clear policy recommendations, stronger coordination across sectors, and practical commitments. An accountability framework for implementation will be essential in ensuring that the agreements reached during the conference are translated into tangible outcomes. The proposed Kenya and East Africa Public Health Knowledge and Innovation Network can facilitate continued sharing of evidence and effective practices among institutions.
The 2026 Public Health International Conference presents an opportunity for Kenya to build a common understanding of the risks faced and the actions required to address them. By strengthening prevention, cooperation, and accountability, Kenya can protect lives, advance Universal Health Coverage, and secure a healthier future for present and coming generations. The conference calls on every sector and community to recognize their interdependence and act accordingly.
Key points
- The conference will focus on a One Health approach that places communities at the center of healthcare.
- Kenya has made significant progress in public health through policy reform and sustained investment.
- The conference aims to translate the One Health approach into practical action to address public health challenges.
