Dr. Elena Garde is a veterinarian who is the force behind the creation of the Global Alliance for Animals and People (GAAP), which she built together with her husband Guillermo.
She does tremendous work directing The GAAP, with programs in three countries. She participates in all field work, with all her energy and desire to help people and animals around preventing rabies and other diseases in animals.
In Chile, the main project is the GAAP veterinary clinic. They work with a host of stakeholders and other veterinarians to influence national and regional policy related to animal welfare and urban fauna control, and bring educational activities to schools and other related public events.
In Guatemala, the work includes canine rabies vaccination, responsible ownership and disease prevention education, sterilization campaigns, partnership building, and capacity building. Over the years, the work has expanded to include individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, genders, ages and professions such as educators, writers, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, health promoters, biologists, personal coaches, and search and rescue trainers.
Indigenous communities in Northern Canada are disproportionately affected by a series of social issues that put both their human and animal populations at risk. These communities still deal with preventable animal-human problems like occasional outbreaks of sylvatic rabies and a high prevalence of canine distemper, parvovirus and hydatid disease, all of which not only compromise the health and welfare of canine population but threaten local community members and vulnerable northern wildlife.
The absence of veterinary care, difficult access to the areas and extremely high prices for travel, food and lodging complicate the situation even further. GAAP-Canada aims to provide veterinary health and education about appropriate pet care to isolated indigenous communities.
(Excerpt from nomination)
