BCH, GVTC, AND UWA Strengthen One Health-Based Prevention in the Greater Virunga Landscape

Today, July 1,2025, Bwindi Community Hospital (BCH) has held a progress report session on the Employee Health Program (EHP), which is part of the World Bank Pandemic Fund project, “Strengthening One Health-Based Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (PPR) in the Greater Virunga Landscape (GVL).” This regional initiative is aimed at addressing zoonotic disease threats in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP), one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems.

The program focuses on protecting frontline rangers and staff working around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) such as Buhoma and Ruhija sectors.

This project is being implemented in partnership with the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC), the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and Gorilla Doctors.

The objective is to provide preventive healthcare services, strengthen zoonotic disease surveillance, and build capacity among UWA staff to reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission.

Since the inception in February, Bwindi Community Hospital has delivered comprehensive health education, conducted medical screenings, clinical examinations, and laboratory testing to detect early health concerns. Preventive care has been prioritized through deworming interventions and critical vaccinations to reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. Together, these efforts will ensure a healthier work force.

The Employee Health Program aims at reducing the risk of zoonotic disease transmission among rangers and strengthening disease surveillance, thus, contributing to regional pandemic prevention efforts.

Park rangers work in high-risk and stressful environments that expose them to numerous occupational hazards, including rough terrain, harsh weather conditions, wildlife encounters, injuries, and physical exhaustion.

By Elizabeth Namara