Catalysing partnerships to co-design an improved ruminant diagnostic system for Kenya
Diagnostic testing is the bedrock of effective animal health interventions. Diagnostic tests are run on samples collected from animals and detect either the disease-causing agent, such as a virus or bacteria, or the body’s immune response to that specific agent. They turn a farmer’s or vet’s disease suspicion into a definite disease diagnosis, allowing proper treatment. At a population level, test results can be systematically collated to build a picture of the burden and distribution of different diseases. This surveillance information enables governments to target disease control measures, including vaccination, where they have the biggest impact for averting livestock losses, improving productivity and promoting trade. Tests can also be used to assess immunity levels in vaccinated animals, telling us whether vaccination ultimately resulted in the intended outcome – protection from disease. Surveillance also allows early outbreak detection and rapid response needed to limit disease spread.
Many benefits; so why are diagnostic tests still underused, and why does surveillance remain patchy for Kenya’s livestock?
With GALVmed’s 5-year VITAL 2 programme underway to increase ruminant vaccination rates, these questions are timely.
To address them, GALVmed, TAHSSL partners and Kenya’s Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) co-organised a stakeholder workshop in Nairobi. Over 2 days, almost 100 participants brainstormed. From government and private vets from as far as Wajir and Laikipia counties, to farmers, NGOs, researchers and diagnostics manufacturers – perspectives were shared and expertise pooled. Energy levels were high, helped by the beat of a Maasai warrior drum to keep time, as was the sense of urgency that better diagnostic systems are needed. Long distances to labs, long turnaround times for test results and low levels of feedback to farmers and into surveillance systems were among key challenges identified.
Dr Johnson Ouma and Camilla Benfield during the workshop on Diagnostics for Effective Ruminant Disease Control in Kenya
Diagnostic tests cost money, but is lack of testing a false economy? The Kiambaa Dairy Farmers Co-operative Society said routine diagnostics could reduce antibiotic spending by 30%. Farmers are willing to pay for diagnostics if the value proposition is clear. Proper diagnostic testing reduces antibiotic misuse and reduces the grave societal challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Diagnostics benefit not only farmers, but many value chain actors, such as aggregators, off-takers and processors. Can sustainable business models leverage this shared benefit to share the costs?
One clear priority is demonstrating the value of diagnostics to farmers, value chain actors and Kenya’s wider One Health agenda. That means building confidence that diagnostic results improve timely decision-making, and strengthening surveillance to better support disease prevention and control – else Kenya cannot realise the potential of its livestock sector.
To action this, the workshop served as a springboard for co-designing a Roadmap – a plan for strengthening Kenya’s diagnostic and surveillance system. The Roadmap will be developed over the coming months with DVS, TAHSSL and other partners, with the aim of a validated plan by the end of the year.
The Roadmap sets the direction. What will determine whether Kenya builds the diagnostic system its livestock sector needs is the partnerships that carry it forward. Those between government, veterinarians, farmers, manufacturers and value chain actors. At stake are farmer livelihoods, food safety, and Kenya’s role in the global response to antimicrobial resistance.
Read more about the workshop’s findings and recommendations here.
And don’t miss the interviews recorded during the event, available here.
Blog written by Camilla Benfield, Product Development Lead, Research & Development, GALVmed.