Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga has underlined the critical role of health education in combating the rising burden of diabetes in Kenya. Speaking at the 10th Annual Scientific Conference of the Kenya Diabetes Study Group (KDSG) in Naivasha, Dr. Oluga highlighted the Ministry of Health’s strides in promoting awareness and strengthening early detection and management, particularly at the grassroots.
A major step, he noted, is the deployment of 107,000 Community Health Promoters (CHPs), each equipped with glucometers and diagnostic supplies. These CHPs are assigned to about 100 households each, forming a widespread national network for screening and education. Diabetes screening services are now available free of charge at all level 2 and 3 public facilities and through CHPs, supported by the Social Health Authority under the Social Health Insurance Act.
Dr. Oluga revealed that while 800,000 Kenyans are diagnosed with diabetes, only 20% are receiving comprehensive care, leaving over 600,000 people underserved. Moreover, up to two million Kenyans could be living with undiagnosed diabetes or in pre-diabetic conditions, with diagnoses often occurring only after severe complications like heart attacks or kidney failure. This, he said, highlights the urgency of regular screening and public education.
To enhance access, the Ministry is formulating a policy to cut diabetes medication costs by 50%, in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies.
Dr. Oluga commended KDSG for its role in shaping policy and training healthcare providers. KDSG President Dr. Roselyne Ngugi reaffirmed their commitment to building frontline capacity, especially for CHPs, to enable early detection and timely referrals.
The KDSG conference continues to serve as a vital platform for sharing research, exchanging knowledge, and advancing policy on diabetes and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
