Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH)

CTPH engages in 3 main programme areas: wildlife health monitoring, human public health, and information, education, and communication.

Wildlife Health Monitoring
CTPH facilitates health monitoring training workshops with the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, who in turn record clinical observations of gorillas using data sheets and handheld computers. Organisers say that long-term health monitoring of wildlife helps prevent disease transmission between people, wildlife, and livestock.

Human Public Health
Under this programme, CTPH conducts community-based health care and public awareness campaigns regarding good hygiene and the risks of disease transmission between people, wildlife, and livestock. The campaigns include community sensitisation drama workshops and shows, the erection of health message signposts, and the distribution of materials and brochures on tuberculosis, community-based direct observation treatments for tuberculosis (CBDOTS), and links to gorilla health and sustainable livelihoods.

Information, Education and Communication
In June 2005, CTPH opened a community telecentre in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. The eco-friendly centre features satellite high-speed internet, solar equipment, voice telephony, laptops, a scanner, and a printer. It aims to enable communication between the local population and the outside world on issues of conservation, public health, e-business, and sustainable livelihoods. The telecentre, which is a joint venture with Makerere University, hosts computer training courses, and works with other community organisations to ensure local residents and school children use the facility and training courses.

Health, Information and Communication Technology

According to the organisers, CTPH has graduated over 10 courses, the students of which were awarded a Certificate in Computer Studies by the Faculty of Social Sciences, Makerere University. Sixty community members have been trained with a 40% female attendance rate for basic computer and vocational training.