Conservation Through Public Health

Conservation Through Public Health Directors

Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH) is a non-profit organization that focuses on the interconnection between wildlife conservation and public health. Founded in 2003 by Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, CTPH aims to promote biodiversity conservation by improving the health and livelihoods of people who share their habitats with wildlife.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of CTPH is to achieve sustainable development and biodiversity conservation by addressing the health and well-being of both humans and wildlife. The organization has several key objectives:

• To reduce the transmission of diseases between humans and wildlife.
• To improve the health and livelihoods of communities living near protected areas.
• To promote sustainable practices that benefit both people and wildlife.

Programs and Initiatives

CTPH operates several programs and initiatives to achieve its mission:

Integrated Health and Conservation

This program focuses on providing healthcare services to communities living near protected areas. By improving human health, CTPH aims to reduce the pressure on wildlife and their habitats. The program includes:

• Community health education and services.
• Disease surveillance and monitoring.
• Promotion of family planning and reproductive health.

Wildlife Health Monitoring

CTPH conducts regular health checks and monitoring of wildlife populations, particularly mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This helps in early detection and management of diseases that could potentially spread to human populations.

Alternative Livelihoods

To reduce dependence on natural resources, CTPH promotes alternative livelihoods for local communities. This includes:

• Training in sustainable agriculture.
• Support for eco-tourism initiatives.
• Development of small-scale enterprises.

Impact and Achievements

Since its inception, CTPH has made significant strides in both conservation and public health. Some of its notable achievements include:

• Reduction in disease transmission between humans and wildlife.
• Improved health outcomes for communities living near protected areas.
• Increased awareness and education on the importance of conservation.

Partnerships and Collaborations

CTPH collaborates with various organizations, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions. These partnerships help in the effective implementation of its programs and in achieving its mission.

See Also

• Wildlife conservation
• Public health
• Sustainable development
• Biodiversity