Quality Chemical Industries Limited (Qcil), a leading pharmaceutical company in Uganda, recently organized its annual medical camp at St. Stephen’s Church of Uganda, Luzira, to mark World Malaria Day 2025.
This year’s event embraced the global theme: “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” emphasizing the need for renewed efforts to combat a preventable and treatable disease that continues to claim a life every minute, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
During the event, Qcil’s Chief Finance Officer, Fred Andrew Kakooza, remarked, “We are now known as Quality Chemical Industries Limited – Qcil.” He further highlighted, “Luzira has been our base for nearly 18 years, and we are deeply committed to this community and the well-being of all Ugandans.”
“World Malaria Day reminds us that malaria remains a leading cause of illness and death, particularly among children and expectant mothers. The theme, ‘Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,’ is a profound call to action,” he added.
Established in 2005 by Ugandan entrepreneurs, Qcil is the largest producer of WHO-prequalified antimalarial medicines in Sub-Saharan Africa, providing essential and affordable treatments to Uganda and beyond.
“At Qcil, our role goes beyond manufacturing; we are dedicated partners in the battle against malaria. Our priority is to guarantee that Ugandans and communities across Africa have access to affordable and reliable antimalarial medicines. This health camp represents our unwavering commitment to this cause. Let us unite and strive for a future free of malaria,” stated Qcil’s Chief Finance Officer, Fred Andrew Kakooza.
Uganda continues to face significant challenges with malaria, ranking among the most severely affected countries. In 2023 alone, the Uganda National Institute of Public Health recorded 37,195 malaria-related deaths. The most vulnerable groups, including children and pregnant women, bear the greatest burden, with the disease leading to maternal deaths, stillbirths, low birth weight, and cycles of poverty and poor health.
Highlighting the role of local engagement, Harrison Kiggundu, Qcil’s Head of Human Resource, stated: “This initiative exemplifies Qcil’s commitment to enhancing quality of life by improving access to effective, affordable medicines—especially for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children under five, who are at increased risk from malaria.”
At the medical camp, participants benefited from free malaria testing, treatment, and the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Additional services included pediatric care, antenatal checkups, diabetes and hypertension screenings, as well as free eye examinations.
Experts have emphasized that as Uganda continues its fight against malaria, Qcil’s focus on community-based interventions and pharmaceutical innovation plays a crucial role in tackling the disease within the country and beyond.
