PS Oluga Unveils National H. pylori Guidelines, Highlights Health Reforms at Gastroenterology Conference
𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢, 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, officially unveiled Kenya’s H. pylori Guidelines during the fourth edition of the Gastroenterology Society of Kenya’s biennial conference, held on the evening of , 2025.
The guidelines developed by the Gastroenterology Society offer a standardized national framework for the diagnosis and treatment of H pylori infections. Dr. Oluga commended the Society for its leadership in producing the document, which is currently under final review for formal adoption by the Ministry.
In his remarks, Dr. Oluga emphasized that a resilient health system must be built on three pillars: scientific evidence, sound administration, and regulatory oversight. He reaffirmed that Kenya’s reforms must align with its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) targets by 2030, guided by these principles.
He outlined the Ministry’s reform agenda, including the shift to domestic resource mobilization through the Social Health Authority (SHA) now the central vehicle for pooling health funds. He also highlighted the newly formed Benefits and Tariffs Advisory panel as key to aligning expenditure with service delivery priorities.
The PS further stressed the need for sustained investment in the health workforce, expansion of research and training institutions, and equitable deployment of skilled personnel. On commodity security, he referenced ongoing reforms at KEMSA aimed at ensuring reliable access to affordable, quality-assured medical supplies.
Digitization, he noted, remains a top priority in transforming healthcare. The Ministry is rolling out end-to-end digital infrastructure across the public health sector to track commodities, staff deployment, and service delivery enabling data-driven decision-making and efficient resource use.
Dr. Oluga lauded the Nairobi GI Training Centre (NGTC), based at the Kenyatta National Hospital, under the leadership of Prof. Elly Ogutu, for its significant role in building local expertise in gastroenterology. Accredited by the World Gastroenterology Organisation and the World Endoscopy Organization, the Centre has trained over eight fellows and established exchange partnerships with institutions in Japan, India, and Egypt.
This year’s conference drew international experts from India, Japan, Australia, Spain, and the Czech Republic, highlighting Kenya’s growing profile in specialized care.
The event also saw the launch of Africa Live Endoscopy, a continental platform designed to promote clinical innovation, live training, and knowledge-sharing across Africa’s gastroenterology community. Dr. Oluga hailed it as a milestone that positions Kenya as a leading hub for advanced medical training and collaboration in the region.
He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to work closely with professional bodies and training institutions to drive meaningful reform and deliver quality, equitable healthcare for all Kenyans.