Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka became the first wildlife veterinarian in Uganda in 1996. During her early tenure, she encountered a significant challenge: a skin disease outbreak among the country’s mountain gorillas. She eventually identified the cause as scabies, a parasitic infection transmitted from humans due to poor hygiene. This discovery shifted her perspective on conservation, leading her to conclude that protecting wildlife requires active support for the health and welfare of local human populations.
In 2003, she founded the nonprofit organization Conservation Through Public Health to bridge this gap. Her team trains village health volunteers to educate households near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on sanitation and disease prevention. By reducing the transmission of illnesses between humans and primates, the organization has improved public health standards while safeguarding the gorillas. These community initiatives have engaged over 50,000 residents, helping them see the value of protecting the natural habitat.
Beyond public health, the organization addresses the economic factors that drive poaching. They established a social enterprise, Gorilla Conservation Coffee, which pays local farmers above market rates. This initiative ensures that families have a stable income, reducing their reliance on forest resources. The program grew from 75 farmers to over 630, creating a sustainable financial path for the community.
These combined efforts have produced measurable results for both the environment and the economy. Gorilla tourism in the region has expanded, with annual visitor numbers rising from 1,300 in 1993 to nearly 39,000 in 2023. The World Bank reports that this tourism injects millions into the local economy, funding essential infrastructure like schools and roads. Today, the mountain gorilla population in Bwindi has risen significantly, leading to their reclassification from critically endangered to endangered status. Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka remains committed to this approach, viewing the continued growth of the gorilla population as evidence that human and wildlife interests are deeply connected.