One Health in Somalia

Global Implementation Solutions (GIS), through funding from the Department of State’s Biosecurity Engagement Program (BEP), supported a workshop to begin the formation of a OneHealth Surveillance Network between the Somalia One Health Technical Working Group(OHTWG) and the Kenya Zoonotic Disease Unit (ZDU). The borders between Somalia andKenya are plagued by zoonotic diseases, particularly Anthrax, Brucellosis, Rift Valley Fever,and Bovine Tuberculosis. These have been recognized by the CDC as ideal bioterrorism agents.

GIS facilitated a meeting to develop a strategic communication plan between the Somalia OHTWG and the Kenya ZDU with the goal to help mitigate transboundary zoonotic disease
outbreaks. The sub-regional network allows for faster communication about events as they are occurring and strengthen Somalia’s developing program, as they have had little networking with outside countries in the recent past. Absent regional networks, disease between Somali and Kenyan borders can spread and increase a violent non-state actor’s opportunity to acquire ideal bioterrorism pathogens.

To strengthen the program, GIS invited surveillance officers that work on the Somalia/Kenya border from both countries.

Objectives of the meeting:

• Foster collaboration between the two countries
• Ensure good communication within the individual countries and across the borders
• Discuss strategies to improve transboundary disease surveillance and response