Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka
Ashoka Fellow since 2006   |   Uganda

Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka

Conservation Through Public Health
In many wildlife-protected areas in Uganda, communities and wildlife are sharing habitats, living closer and interdependent lives than ever before. Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka is linking Uganda's…
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This description of Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka's work was prepared when Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka was elected to the Ashoka Fellowship in 2006.

Introduction

In many wildlife-protected areas in Uganda, communities and wildlife are sharing habitats, living closer and interdependent lives than ever before. Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka is linking Uganda's wildlife management and rural public health programs to create common resources that benefit both people and animals.

The New Idea

In Uganda, public health programs are managed separately from conservation programs in wildlife-protected areas, using different resources and institutions. This traditional approach has overlooked their interconnection, specifically the problem of zoonotic transmission of diseases between humanRead more

The Problem

Similar to other communities living in and around protected wildlife areas, the people of southwestern Uganda are amongst the poorest with very limited access to information, services, and resources to cover health, education, housing and other basic needs. Originally, these communities wereRead more

The Strategy

Starting in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda, Gladys is linking national conservation, public health institutions, as well as communities to create fresh institutions and resources that improve both animal and human health.Gladys has set up a wildlife health monitoringRead more

The Person

Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka developed a strong connection to animals as a child. She grew up with pets at home, and by the age of 12 had decided to become a veterinarian. While in high school, Gladys gained an interest in wildlife, biodiversity and environmental issues, and started her career inRead more

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