Turkana’s Sand Therapy Running Adopted by WHO for Trauma Recovery

Following rigorous trials (News #271), the World Health Organization adopted Kenya’s Sand Therapy Running (STR) protocol for community-based trauma recovery in conflict zones on November 20, 2025. The WHO manual—co-authored by AMREF and Turkana elders—will be deployed in South Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine. Somatization through rhythm and earth is a universal language, said WHO Mental Health Director Dr. Dévora Kestel. Kenya will train 200 international facilitators in 2026. A train-the-trainer center opens in Lokichar in January.