The Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, has emphasized the pivotal role of health education in addressing the rising burden of diabetes in Kenya. Speaking during the official opening of the 10th Annual Scientific Conference of the Kenya Diabetes Study Group (KDSG) in Naivasha, Dr. Oluga highlighted the Ministry of Health’s ongoing initiatives to raise awareness, enhance early detection, and improve diabetes management at the community level.
“We have made significant strides in public education on diabetes,” Dr. Oluga remarked. “One of the key achievements is the deployment of 107,000 Community Health Promoters (CHPs), each equipped with a glucometer and essential testing supplies.” These CHPs serve as a grassroots network, reaching approximately 100 households each, and play a vital role in raising awareness, conducting screenings, and facilitating referrals to healthcare facilities.
In addition to the grassroots efforts, Dr. Oluga pointed out the role of the newly operational Social Health Authority, which manages the Primary Health Care Fund under the Social Health Insurance Act. This initiative ensures that preventive services, including diabetes screening, are freely available at all level 2 and 3 public health facilities across the country. Community Health Promoters further support these services, providing screenings and educational outreach to underserved populations.
Currently, an estimated 800,000 Kenyans are living with diabetes, but only about 20 percent of them are enrolled in comprehensive care programs. This leaves over 600,000 individuals without adequate care, often receiving substandard treatment. Dr. Oluga stressed the urgency of addressing this gap and mentioned that the Ministry of Health is working on a national access program to reduce the cost of medications and ensure continuous treatment for all individuals living with diabetes.
The Principal Secretary also raised concerns about the potentially larger undiagnosed population, estimating that up to two million Kenyans could be living with undetected diabetes or in a pre-diabetic state. “Many patients only discover they have diabetes after experiencing severe complications such as kidney failure or heart attacks. This highlights the importance of regular screenings and continuous public education on the condition,” he explained.
To address the high cost of diabetes care, Dr. Oluga announced that the Ministry of Health is working on a policy to reduce the cost of diabetic medication by half. The Ministry is collaborating with pharmaceutical manufacturers to improve the accessibility of essential diabetes medications, making them more affordable for those in need.
Dr. Oluga praised the Kenya Diabetes Study Group (KDSG) for its ongoing collaboration with the Ministry, particularly in shaping policy and strengthening the training of health workers. “Our partnership with the KDSG has been instrumental in enhancing the capacity of Community Health Promoters and frontline health workers, ensuring they are well-equipped to support early detection and provide timely referrals,” he stated.
KDSG President Dr. Roselyne Ngugi reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to capacity building, particularly among those managing non-communicable diseases like diabetes. “Our partnership with the Ministry is crucial in equipping Community Health Promoters with the skills and knowledge required to effectively manage diabetes,” she said. This collaboration is vital in reducing the national burden of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The KDSG Annual Scientific Conference serves as a vital platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing research findings, and engaging in policy discussions. It also provides an opportunity for stakeholders to collectively address the growing challenge of diabetes and other NCDs in Kenya. Through these collaborative efforts, the Ministry of Health and the KDSG aim to reduce the impact of diabetes and improve the quality of life for millions of Kenyans affected by the condition.
