In a recent workshop held in Kenya from May 28 to 30, 2025, research teams from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania gathered to engage in a Theory of Change (ToC) exercise, a powerful planning approach that helps projects clarify their goals, chart a path toward impact, and remain adaptable throughout their life cycle. The workshop emphasized the value of structured thinking in addressing complex One Health challenges that lie at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health.
Theory of Change is not just a planning tool; it is a way of thinking that encourages teams to move beyond isolated activities and focus on the bigger picture. It helps researchers and practitioners articulate how and why desired change is expected to happen in a particular context. By identifying long-term outcomes and working backwards to map the necessary steps and assumptions, ToC ensures that every effort is aligned with a broader vision of success.
The workshop brought together four teams, two from Kenya, and one each from Uganda and Tanzania. Each team presented its unique vision of success by December 2025, reflecting a diverse yet interconnected range of health priorities across the region.
The Ugandan team is focused on Rift Valley Fever (RVF), a viral disease that affects both humans and animals. Their goal is to identify the environmental and epidemiological determinants of RVF in Apac and Lira districts in Uganda. This foundational knowledge will inform the development of targeted prevention and control strategies for unexplained febrile illnesses in humans, storm abortions in animals, and the persistence of RVF-carrying vectors.
One of the Kenyan teams is tackling the often-neglected issue of rickettsial infections in humans. They aim to deliver proof of concept for human rickettsia diagnosis, a step that could significantly improve the management of this bacterial disease in vulnerable communities where such infections are frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked.
The second Kenyan team is working under the BioSmart project with small-scale broiler farmers in Kajiado sub-county. Their vision is to see these farmers adopt localized biosecurity guidelines, leading to reduced use of antimicrobials, lower disease incidence, and decreased mortality in poultry. This shift is not only critical for improving poultry health and livelihoods but also contributes to the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
In Tanzania, the team is addressing the ongoing challenge of anthrax outbreaks in Rombo district. Rather than focusing solely on prevention, they aim to increase the detection and reporting of anthrax cases in both humans and animals. Their rationale is that improved surveillance will draw greater investment and attention to anthrax control, laying the groundwork for long-term health improvements.
The workshop demonstrated how a shared planning framework like Theory of Change can support regional collaboration, promote evidence-based decision-making, and ensure accountability across diverse health initiatives. By aligning their actions with clearly defined outcomes, the teams are better positioned to create a lasting impact in their communities. As these projects evolve, the Theory of Change will serve not only as a roadmap but as a compass, guiding teams toward a healthier, more resilient East Africa.
By Ednah Wanjiru