Conservationists mourn the loss of a true pioneer, visionary, and global advocate for wildlife and the environment – Dr. Jane Goodall. Her groundbreaking 65-year study of wild chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania, Dr. Goodall transformed the way we understand primates, their behavior, and their emotional complexity. Her pioneering on chimpanzees deepened our understanding of primate evolution and cognitive complexity.
World Tourism Day 2025. As a mountain gorilla doctor and guardian of their health , I often see social media videos of people touching or being touched by gorillas. This behavior must be strongly discouraged. This behavior must be strongly discouraged. Not only is it unsafe, it poses serious health risks to both humans and gorillas. Please respect the 10 meters distance as per our recommendation during gorilla visitation.
The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), with support from Jhpiego and AFENET, conducted a national Training of Trainers (ToT) on Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) and Event-Based Surveillance (EBS). This initiative aimed to enhance national and sub-national capacity for early detection and timely response to public health threats, with a focus on viral hemorrhagic fevers and other emerging diseases.
EBS plays a vital role in strengthening Rwanda’s Early Warning and Response (EWAR) system and aligning with the International Health Regulations (IHR).
Following the ToT, a post-training mentorship and supervision was carried out to ensure the effective application of the training at the facility level.
Objectives of the Mentorship and Supervision
– Reinforce the knowledge and practical skills acquired during the ToT.
– Monitor the rollout of cascade trainings at hospital and health center levels.
– Support the use of the IMPURUZA digital alert platform.
– Ensure integration of EBS into the hospital’s routine surveillance activities.
– Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire and through:
– Document review of guidelines, SOPs, and reporting tools.
– Direct observation of EBS implementation in routine activities.
– Key informant interviews with hospital staff, including surveillance team members.
Focus areas included:
– Functionality of the surveillance system
– Availability of surveillance guidelines and SOPs
– Staff training and capacity
– Data reporting and use
– Laboratory capacity for case confirmation
– Risk assessment and outbreak response preparedness
The mentorship and supervision visits demonstrated commendable progress in EBS integration across hospitals. However, to fully operationalize the ToT outcomes and strengthen early detection and response capacity, it is crucial to address the identified gaps—particularly in tool availability, system access, and financial sustainability.
Continuous support, coordination, and resource mobilization will be key to enhancing Rwanda’s preparedness for future public health threats.
Special thanks to AFENET and Jhpiego for their continued support of this initiative through the One Health Approach, fostering integrated surveillance across human, animal, and environmental health—as championed by the One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health. https://lnkd.in/d3fqCyW9
One Health in Action
“I continue my journey by training current and future health professionals in the spirit of the One Health approach—building capacity and supporting continuous professional development for medics and para-medical personnel.
World Gorilla Day 2025 is observed on Wednesday September 24.
It is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness and supporting conservation efforts for gorillas, which are endangered due to threats such as poaching, habitat loss, and disease especially in our region.
At OHAC – Gorilla Health, we are actively engaged in daily efforts to protect gorillas and their habitats. While our work is continuous, we deeply appreciate this internationally recognized day that highlights and reinforces our vital role in gorilla conservation. https://lnkd.in/ejTQu_cu
Gorilla Health Guardian with a rescued baby gorilla
Our vision is to Ensure the survival in One Health ecosystem of human, livestock and the wildlife including the endangered mountain gorilla and the critically endangered Lowland gorilla.
Founded in 2015. The OHAC – Gorilla Health is an oriented team in ‘’One Health Approach’’ for conservation through health care and prevention, consultancy, researches strategies for human, animal and ecosystem.
Linking conservation, development, poverty alleviation through health in and around the gorilla habitat
Founder and CEO of the Organization, Dr. Jean Félix Kinani Sangwa is a renowned mountain gorilla doctor and field Epidemiologist. And Primatologist, best known for documenting the first recorded tool use in wild mountain gorillas and first observation of mountain gorillas drinking water in Volcanoes National Park. In addition to many other publications on international journal. https://lnkd.in/eEpmVcNX
“OHAC – Gorilla Health has played a significant role in raising awareness among local communities about gorilla conservation and combating illegal activities that threaten both the gorillas and community livelihoods.”
Mountain Gorilla Doctor delivering treatment in the Volcanoes National Park ( Dr Jean Felix Kinani and Elisabeth)
Previously, Dr Kinani led the mountain gorilla veterinary program in the Volcanoes National Park (VNP). He is the founder of the One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health where he integrate veterinary science, primatological research, and conservation leadership through a multidisciplinary One Health approach to protect primates especially mountain gorillas.
Join US on this World Gorilla Day, we invite you to support they work. With science, tradition, tourism, and community engagement, we continue to protect the future of one of the world’s most iconic species.
Support OHAC – Gorilla Health Mission – Save Wild Gorillas
Your donation or involvement helps us make a lasting impact on gorilla conservation.
https://lnkd.in/eUH6MyHZ
One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health
For more information or if you would like to make a donation, we greatly appreciate it.
You can contact our organization via by email: info@gorillahealth.org/ ohac2004@gmail.com
www.gorillahealth.org – Tel: 0788640986
Following our recommendation on the gorilla health, each gorilla group is visited by only 8 persons and for only 1 hour per day. Exceptionally some researchers can spend 4 hours and always by respecting the distance of 10 meters. This ensure to prevents possible cross contamination diseases but also to reduce the contact and respect the gorilla group activities”.
As a Mountain Gorilla Doctor for more than 22 years, I conducted thousands of field interventions on gorilla and other wildlife animals. I recall a particularly challenging field intervention with our team in Pablo’s group, when I was called to help Infura, an infant gorilla caught in a snare. Park trackers had reported the situation and called us in to assess and plan for snare removal.
The day before our arrival, experienced trackers had managed to cut part of the rope with a machete, allowing Infura to rejoin his group. However, about a meter of rope remained tightly tied around his leg, and he was clearly in pain.
During our first intervention attempt, the group was aggressive — not unusual when one of their members is distressed. Mountain gorilla veterinarians must carefully observe the group and select the safest moment to act. Because of the group’s agitation, we decided to postpone the snare removal, prioritizing safety for both the gorillas and our team.
After a heavy rain that day, the group calmed down, and we prepared for a second assessment. I had my tranquilizer dart ready, but Gicurasi, one of the silverbacks, grew suspicious as he noticed the trackers following Infura. He suddenly charged and bit one of our best trackers, Jean Bosco Ntirenganya, on the shoulder.
Jean Bosco, a highly skilled member of the DFGFI team, received immediate first aid from our team. We quickly discussed the situation and decided to withdraw to avoid further stress or injury. Four trackers were assigned to observe the group from a distance and report back on where the gorillas would nest for the night.
The incident had visibly distressed the group. Trackers later observed several gorillas trying to help Infura remove the rope, but their attempts only frightened him more and worsened his condition.
Although gorillas are generally gentle animals, they can become aggressive when protecting their group and responding to perceived threats. This behavior is especially challenging in larger groups that include multiple silverbacks — sometimes as many as five — making interventions more complex and risky. I contacted the late Dr. Tony, Head veterinarian at RDB to discuss our plan. We all agreed to postpone the intervention again, to prevent further incident and avoid putting our team at risk.
Thankfully, Jean Bosco recovered well and was taken to the hospital for proper medical care.
The next day, the group had spread out. Infura was with his mother Ishema, and another female, both staying close to Gicurasi, the silverback. Though Infura managed to move and feed, it was clear he was in pain. The rope had tightened, causing visible swelling. Every time it caught on vegetation, Infura screamed in pain, while Ishema remained by his side, guiding and supporting him. Gicurasi remained tense, often grunting at trackers. Cantsbee, the dominant silverback, was not nearby at the time.
Eventually, with the continued collaboration and support by trackers, we were able to conduct a successful intervention and remove the snare.
Each year on July 31st, OHAC/Gorilla Health joins the global community in celebrating World Ranger Day — a day dedicated to honoring the dedication and bravery of trackers and rangers who support our work with endangered mountain gorillas and captive gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
This day carries particular significance in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where more than 150 park rangers have lost their lives while protecting wildlife and natural heritage.
Dr. Jean Felix Kinani Sangwa, who has worked closely with many of these courageous individuals, reflects on their vital role:
“Park Trackers are not only gorilla guardians of national parks and biodiversity; they are also the first to detect early signs of illness in wildlife — especially gorillas — allowing timely intervention and treatment by us, mountain gorillas doctors.”
By
Dr Jean Felix Kinani Sangwa – One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health
For more information or if you would like to make a donation, we greatly appreciate it.
You can contact our organization via by email: info@gorillahealth.org/ ohac2004@gmail.com
www.gorillahealth.org – Tel: 0788640986
World Ranger Day is observed globally on July 31st to honor the brave colleagues who dedicate their lives to safeguarding the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage.
Park rangers are on the front line in the fight to protect wildlife. Their vital work includes environmental advocacy, species monitoring, and public education. World Ranger Day is a time to show appreciation for their unwavering commitment. And to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
On this day, we pay tribute to these dedicated guardians of nature — past and present — whose efforts are critical to the survival of our planet’s ecosystems.
The One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health join the world to “stand with the park rangers of the world in their fight to protect wildlife”
On July 31st, World Ranger Day honors those who protect our planet’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Dr. Jean Felix Kinani Sangwa is the Founder and Executive Director of the One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health. Since 2004, he has been training wildlife veterinarians including mountain gorilla doctors, park trackers and caregivers, and young conservationists in Rwanda’s Volcanoes, Akagera, and Nyungwe National Parks, as well as rangers from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
My training focus on Wildlife Medicine through the One Health approach, which emphasizes the interconnected health of people, animals, and the environment. Thanks to this training, trackers and rangers are able to actively participate in wildlife health monitoring and communicate effectively with veterinarians and park managers. By adding knowledge to their field skills, these trackers become even better equipped to protect all living species in their natural habitats. And support Dr Jean Felix work on mountain gorilla
With my extensive expertise in treating mountain gorillas, I trains wildlife veterinarians to support his efforts in caring for sick or injured mountain gorillas, captive gorillas, and other great apes in and around the Virunga Massif. His work also extends to the treatment of a wide range of wildlife species — including buffalos, lions, giraffes, hyenas, antelopes, jackals, porcupines, and more — always carried out in close collaboration with dedicated park trackers and caregivers. https://gorillahealth.org/mountain-gorilla-veterinarians-expertise/.
I recognized how easy is working on wildlife animals with the great support of experimented trackers from the regions.
The success of each field intervention on mountain gorilla depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the behavior of the gorilla and its group, and the availability of proper field equipment. However, what many people often overlook is the vital role of the trackers and rangers I’ve trained over the years — they not only help protect the wildlife, but also ensure the safety of veterinarians like myself during field operations.’’
“The following short story on our next blog, related by Dr Kinani highlights the critical role that rangers and trackers play — not only in protecting wildlife but also in safeguarding Volcanoes National Park as a whole. Their dedication often goes beyond their regular duties, and it underscores the urgent need for continued support in building their capacity through ongoing training and professional development.”
By Dr Jean Felix Kinani Sangwa
One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health
For more information or if you would like to make a donation, we greatly appreciate it.
You can contact our organization via by email: info@gorillahealth.org/ ohac2004@gmail.com
www.gorillahealth.org – Tel: 0788640986
The Global Impact of Rwanda’s Conservation Leadership
The decision to elevate Kwita Izina into a national and international event was a game-changer. It drew global attention to Rwanda’s conservation model and inspired similar efforts across Africa. According to Dr. Jean Felix:
“The rise of gorilla tourism and our visionary leadership between 2000 and 2005 shifted priorities — conservation was no longer just about survival; it became a valuable economic and national asset.”
Looking Ahead: Kwita Izina 2025 and Beyond
During the 2025 Kwita Izina ceremony, we will name 40 , mountain gorilla babies, including those whose naming was postponed due to the cancellation of the 2024 edition. This event, broadcast globally, plays a key role in raising awareness about conservation and the urgent need to protect endangered wildlife.
While many hope to see baby gorillas live during the ceremony, it’s important to understand that baby gorillas remain within their protected habitat. To see mountain gorillas in the wild, visitors must be over 15 years old and have a permit from the Rwanda Development Board or an accredited tour agency. As part of the celebration, many project are initiated by RDB and schoolchildren often dress in gorilla costumes during the ceremony, symbolizing the connection between communities, youth, and wildlife.
Conservation Challenges and the Way Forward
Despite progress, challenges remain. Illegal wildlife trade continues to threaten endangered species globally. As someone who has rescued many baby gorillas from poachers in DR Congo, Dr. Jean Felix highlights the need to stay vigilant:
“We have seen a reduction in poaching especially for baby gorillas in DRCongo since 2022, but this trend must continue. Ending wildlife trafficking requires political will and strong partnerships across borders.”
Dr. Jean Félix Kinani is a renowned wildlife veterinarian and field primatologist, best known for documenting the first recorded tool use in wild mountain gorillas and first observation of mountain gorillas drinking water in Volcanoes National Park. As previously, he led the mountain gorilla veterinary program in the Volcanoes National Park (VNP), he is the founder of the One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health, he integrates veterinary science, primatological research, and conservation leadership through a multidisciplinary One Health approach to protect primates—especially mountain gorillas.
To ensure sustainable conservation, we must contribute and support our country as champion by the OHAC – Gorilla Health organization by:
Visit Rwanda: See the Mountain Gorillas in Their Natural Habitat
We warmly welcome all wildlife enthusiasts and conservation supporters to visit Rwanda — one of the few places on earth where you can encounter mountain gorillas in the wild. Protected by well-trained rangers and supported by a world-class conservation framework, these animals are a living symbol of hope, resilience, and what can be achieved through unity and care.
Please join us. And together with the OHAC – Gorilla Health, through science, tradition, tourism, and community engagement, we continue to protect the future of one of the world’s most iconic species.
By Dr Jean Felix Kinani Sangwa
One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health
For more information or if you would like to make a donation, we greatly appreciate it.
You can contact our organization via by email: info@gorillahealth.org/ ohac2004@gmail.com
www.gorillahealth.org – Tel: 0788640986
The One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health, together with others partners, proudly joins in celebrating the collective efforts behind the sustainable conservation of mountain gorillas and wildlife, both regionally and nationally. This celebration is a powerful reminder of what collaboration and long-term commitment to conservation can achieve.
On September 5, 2025, we take a moment to honor the incredible growth of the Virunga mountain gorilla population and recognize the vital efforts of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the staff of Volcanoes National Park, and all conservation partners. This occasion serves to reflect on decades of dedicated work, during which the mountain gorilla population steadily rose from critically endangered status to endangered population of 604 mountain gorillas across 41 social groups (according to the 2016 census – gorillahealth.org).
From Extinction Threat to Conservation Success
At the start of the 21st century, many scientists predicted the extinction of mountain gorillas due to rampant poaching and habitat loss. However, with the emergence of gorilla tourism in the 1970s, a new path was forged — one that linked conservation with economic opportunity. Protecting these majestic creatures became a national priority, strengthened by increased public awareness and international support.
The Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony, officially launched by the Rwandan government i 2005, became a landmark in conservation history. Inspired by Rwanda’s tradition of naming newborns within families and communities, the ceremony became a global platform to celebrate conservation achievements.
As Dr. Jean Felix Kinani Sangwa, Founder and CEO of OHAC – Gorilla Health, explains:
“Before 2005, it was the park trackers who named the baby gorillas. But after extensive consultations with RDB leadership, especially under Rosette Rugamba, the idea was formalized and elevated to an international event.”
Since 2004, Dr. Jean Felix has worked tirelessly to protect mountain gorillas by providing daily care and train wildlife veterinarians, and mentor park trackers, caregivers, and young conservationists in Volcanoes, Akagera, and Nyungwe National Parks in Rwanda, as well as across DR Congo and Uganda.
Thanks to the critical work of our gorilla veterinarians—who provide life-saving medical care and implement a One Health approach—the mountain gorilla population in the Virunga Massif has increased by more than 60% for the past 4 decades. This remarkable recovery highlights the power of science and conservation in action, driven by the One Health model championed by our organization ‘’www.gorillahealth.org’’
Dr. Kinani regularly monitors gorilla health, provides advice of medical interventions (such as treating respiratory outbreaks and injuries), leads field responses and contribute to research publications—activities deeply rooted in primatological practice.
Mountain gorilla doctor monitoring a gorilla patient in Volcanoes National Park during a respiratory infection
Putting community in the central of conservation effort, the OHAC – Gorilla health initiated joint surveillance and control of diseases affecting both gorillas and humans. It plays a vital role in reducing the risk of zoonotic transmission between park personnel and mountain gorillas. This collaborative approach not only helps health professionals monitor and understand the incidence of potentially transmissible diseases but also strengthens conservation efforts by protecting both human and gorilla health under the One Health framework.
One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health
For more information or if you would like to make a donation, we greatly appreciate it.
By Dr Jean Felix Kinani Sangwa
One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health
For more information or if you would like to make a donation, we greatly appreciate it.
You can contact our organization via by email: info@gorillahealth.org/ ohac2004@gmail.com
www.gorillahealth.org – Tel: 0788640986
EBS plays a vital role in strengthening Rwanda’s Early Warning and Response (EWAR) system and aligning with the International Health Regulations (IHR). We extend our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Health (MoH) for adopting and supporting the implementation of the Africa CDC EBS Framework at national, provincial, district, sector, and community levels.