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PRESS RELEASE: Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka Brings Lessons from Uganda to HF-L

On October 30, eighth graders at the Honeoye Falls – Lima Middle School and fifth graders at the Manor School had a special visitor from a land far, far away and learned about many creatures, great and small.

Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), visited with students, bringing with her lessons in health and conservation from Uganda.

CTPH is a grassroots non-governmental non-profit organization whose mission is to promote conservation and public health by improving primary health care to people and animals in and around protected areas in Africa. Together, its members strive to prevent and control disease transmission where wildlife, people and animals meet while cultivating a winning attitude toward conservation and public health in local communities.

Kalema-Zikusoka founded CPTH in 2002 to help Ugandans resolve threats to their communities and local wildlife, many of which have resulted from steadily increasing human and livestock populations. CTPH studies the interdependence of wildlife health and human health, and the prevention of the transmission of disease between animals and people, which students learned is called “zoonosis.”

Students enjoyed learning about the many types of animals that live in Uganda, the culture of the Ugandan people, factors that contribute to the spread of disease and the efforts being made to prevent the spread of disease. They also learned about threats to some of Africa’s native animals, for example, the Mountain Gorilla, whose population has now dwindled to approximately 700 as a result of habitat encroachment, poaching, political and economic instability, and preventable diseases.

“Meeting Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka was an outstanding opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Michelle Kavanaugh, Superintendent of Schools. “Of course, children always love to learn about animals, but the lessons she brought also stemmed into the areas of science, health, ecology and even diversity. What a truly valuable and unique experience for our children to learn!”

In partnership with Colgate University, a satellite office of CTPH has been established on the University’s campus, allowing Kalema-Zikusoka to bring her learnings to children and adults in the United States.

In September 2006, Kalema-Zikusoka was named an ASHOKA Fellow, joining a global fellowship of leading social entrepreneurs with innovative solutions to social problems and the potential to change patterns across society. Over a period of time, social entrepreneurs study a particular field and develop and implement alternative visions and strategies to transform society. They demonstrate unrivaled commitment to bold new ideas and prove that compassion, creativity, and collaboration are tremendous forces for change.