Uniting Business and Health: Euro Gold CEO Bernard Feni Joins Malaria Free Uganda Board, Pledges Private-Sector Action

KAMPALA — In a major boost to national public-health efforts, Euro Gold Refinery Chief Executive Officer Bernard Feni has officially joined the board of Malaria Free Uganda, the Ministry of Health-led public-private partnership platform that doubles as the country’s End Malaria Council.

The appointment arrives as Uganda intensifies its domestic push against malaria, a disease that continues to exact a heavy toll on both public health and the national economy.

The Economic and Health Stakes:

Malaria remains one of Uganda’s most persistent health challenges, accounting for 30 to 50 percent of all outpatient hospital visits nationwide. Beyond the clinical strain on health facilities, the disease imposes a staggering economic burden, costing the country an estimated $577 million annually in direct treatment expenses and lost productivity.

Speaking on the urgency of broadening the response, Minister of Health and Malaria Free Uganda Patron Dr. Chris Baryomunsi noted that the fight requires a shared commitment beyond the public sector:

"Malaria is not only a health problem; it is an economic problem, and that is why this Board looks the way it does. Government will continue to lead this response, and we have committed to raising our own share of malaria financing to half of the total by 2030. But a challenge of this scale is not closed by Government alone, and it should not be. This Board widens the circle of those who carry it."

A Call for Private-Sector Ownership:

Over the past five years, Malaria Free Uganda has mobilised more than $6.2 million in cash and in-kind contributions, partnering with over 100 organizations to bolster advocacy, communication, medical commodities, and the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services. In the 2025/2026 financial year alone, contributions reached 8.886 billion shillings, alongside 1.32 billion shillings worth of critical health equipment.

Accepting his appointment, Bernard Feni emphasized that reliance on international funding must transition toward self-sustaining, local solutions.

"The fight against malaria requires collective responsibility," Feni said, urging local communities, social networks, and corporate peers to step up their investments.

He affirmed that Euro Gold Refinery views the partnership as a core pillar of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), pledging active support to drive down infection rates.

Feni challenged other corporate leaders to join the fold, arguing that deeper private-sector integration is vital to strengthening prevention, treatment access, and public awareness.

The Road Ahead:

The next phase of Malaria Free Uganda shifts focus heavily toward domestic resource mobilisation and structured local partnerships. Key strategic priorities include:

• Expanding workplace malaria programs via the Malaria Smart Companies initiative.

• Deepening collaboration with national media networks.

• Convening an upcoming Chief Executive Officers’ Roundtable to lock in concrete corporate commitments.

National progress will be tracked transparently using the national malaria scorecard, with the newly expanded board set to formalize its initial commitments during its upcoming inaugural session.