Bliss GVS Pharmaceuticals has contributed anti-malarial and dermatological medicines valued at UGX 35 million to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).
The donation was received on Wednesday by Dr. Sarah Zalwango, the Acting Director for Public Health and Environment at KCCA, who praised Bliss GVS Pharmaceuticals for their assistance in addressing significant health challenges in the city.
Dr. Zalwango expressed appreciation, emphasizing the importance of the donated drugs, especially for combating malaria, which tends to spike during the rainy season.
“These anti-malarial medications will be essential for enabling us to deliver timely treatment,” she stated, pointing out that although KCCA receives supplies from the government, stocks are often quickly depleted due to high demand.
She urged the public to adopt preventive measures against malaria, including the use of mosquito nets and ensuring pregnant women receive the malaria vaccine. Dr. Zalwango also stressed the significance of testing and proper treatment to control the disease’s spread.
KCCA operates eight health centers—Kiswa, Bukoto, City Hall Clinic, Kisugu, Kawala, Kisenyi, Komamboga, and Kitebi—that provide free medical services. However, out of approximately 2,000 health facilities in Kampala and its surroundings, only about 21 are publicly run, highlighting the need for additional aid like that provided by Bliss GVS.
Dr. Zalwango also addressed the growing Mpox outbreak in Kampala, noting an increase in cases, with 131 confirmed cases in the city and 193 in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area. “We are registering new cases every day,” she said, urging the public to remain vigilant.
Phiona Namugenyi, a supervisor at Bliss GVS Pharmaceuticals, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to supporting local communities and contributing to the fight against malaria, which remains the leading cause of death in Uganda, particularly among children under the age of five.
In 2022, the World Health Organization reported more than 17,556 deaths due to malaria in Uganda, with the disease accounting for a significant share of outpatient and hospital visits.
Bliss GVS Pharmaceuticals, known for producing anti-malarial, antifungal, and pain relief medications, aims to align its support with the Uganda Malaria Reduction Strategic Plan 2020-2025 (UMRSP). This plan seeks to decrease malaria cases and related fatalities by 50% and 75%, respectively, by 2025.
