The UPDF Air Force Director of Personnel and Administration, Brig. Gen. Julius Bagonza, received today, June 1, 2023, a donation of various medicines from an Indian drug manufacturing company, BLISS GVS Pharma Ltd., to assist in the fight against malaria.

The handover ceremony was held at the Air Force headquarters in Entebbe in the presence of Mr. SN Kamath, the founder of BLISS GVS PHARMA LTD; Mr. Vishal RAO, the company’s managing director; Mr. Ramesh, the country manager; and senior and junior UPDF personnel.

Brig. Gen. Bagonza emphasized that the donation will go a long way towards the prevention and control of malaria, particularly among infants and pregnant women, who are among the most susceptible to the disease.

“The action is consistent with the government of the Republic of Uganda’s Mass Action against Malaria, a multi-sectoral implementation strategy aimed at achieving Uganda’s vision of a malaria-free country for a healthy and productive nation,” he said.

In his remarks, Brig. Gen. Dr. Patrick Ochen, Deputy Chief of Medical Services, commended GVS for donating life-saving medications that will go a long way toward improving the health of UPDF and Defense Ministry personnel.

Gen. Ochen extended his appreciation to GVS for investing in health, which translates to wealth in the lives of UPDF officers.

Mr. Balitukirira Isaac, Field Supervisor of BLISS GVS Pharma Ltd., explained that they chose to donate to the UPDF because they know that the UPDF’s health facilities care for a large proportion of civilians, and so by donating to the force, they donated more to the civilians.

Mr. Balitukirira stated, “We believe and recognize that the conversation on eradicating malaria in Uganda and Africa as a whole is so vital, and through such collaboration and support we contribute to ensuring a malaria-free Uganda.” Bliss GVS, a company situated in India, is the largest producer of suppositories and pessaries.

It is the first group pharmaceutical company with a track record of success in developing, manufacturing, and marketing high-quality products across multiple pharmaceutical categories, including anti-malarials, anti-fungals, antibiotics, cough syrups, and contraceptives, as well as a multitude of other effective drugs.

Gen. Ochen said that the UPDF is committed to improving the welfare of its workers and their families. The donation will go a long way toward achieving this goal.