Gorillas in Africa are endangered primarily due to human activities such as poaching and habitat destruction, but disease transmission by humans threatens their survival as well. Rwandans living in areas surrounding national parks where gorillas live have limited access to health facilities and may have to travel long distances through protected gorilla territory to obtain healthcare. Believing that the health of gorillas and people are inextricably linked, the DIAN FOSSEY GORILLA FUND has established a clinic in the Bisate Village. 

Aiding this community is critical to protecting the gorillas. In 2010 alone, over 13,000 people benefited from critical health services, 404 pregnant women received prenatal care, 251 women delivered babies at the clinic, and nearly 2,500 children under age five were vaccinated. Although substantial progress has been made, challenges still exist and must be met as helping people thrive ensures that gorillas survive.

For environmentally sensitive areas to thrive, 
the health of people and wildlife both must 
be protected.