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When a scabies outbreak in a gorilla population in Uganda was attributed to the hygiene habits of nearby local communities, Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka knew that she would have to find creative ways to ensure that these magnificent animals and surrounding communities can co-exist. As a response, she created the NGO, Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), which employs a multidisciplinary approach to prevent and control disease transmission between closely genetically related species such as people and gorillas, and cattle and buffalo. CTPH also improves livelihoods by supporting local communities in reducing their dependence on fragile habitats to meet their basic needs.

Her methods have garnered worldwide attention. She has received numerous awards, including the Whitley Gold Award for outstanding leadership in grassroots nature conservation and the Jane Goodall Institute Award for Conservation. In September 2020, she became the first African to win the Aldo Leopold Award from the American Society of Mammologists for outstanding contributions to the conservation of mammals and their habitats.

With zoonotic diseases projected to become more prevalent, her work is becoming increasingly relevant to each and every one of us.

Highlights

• (2:43) When did she realize the importance of human health when it came to protecting gorillas?
• (12:01) Why also support the coffee farmers?
• (14:45) Consequences of COVID-19 on the communities and the gorillas.
• (24:05) The story of one very special gorilla.

What YOU Can Do

• Buy Gorilla Conservation Coffee.
• Shop some other fun goods to support.
• Join them as a researcher, intern, or volunteer!
• Follow them on social media and raise awareness by sharing their stories.

Resources

• Website of Conservation Through Public Health
• Facebook
• Twitter for CTPH or Dr. Gladys
• Instagram
• Youtube

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Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook (Page / Private Group) and let me know what actions for the world you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

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