In Kenya, helicobacter pylori, popularly known as H. pylori, has emerged as one of the most common and severe forms of gastrointestinal problems. The government’s disease registry shows that over 1 million people have been treated for H. pylori in Kenya. In 2025, a high prevalence of H. pylori infection is likely to be observed in the country, with rates potentially exceeding 70 percent.
H. Pylori is a bacterium that most people carry for years. It can live in the stomach for 13 to 14 years without causing disease. According to consultant gastroenterologist Dr Amos Mwasamwanja, most people with this bacterium were infected in their childhood or adolescence.
This infection is more common in children than in adults. Children tend to get infected from the age of three to around five years for the first time. With this infection, there is the possibility that one can get re-infected even after treatment. Prevalence has also been recorded as having a tendency to increase with age, with higher rates observed in older age groups. A family history of peptic ulcers (PUD) can also be associated with H. pylori infection.
Socio-economic strains
This infection is commonly transmitted orally particularly through shared eating utensils or close contact such as through mouth to mouth kissing. In addition, the usage of untreated water for drinking or other domestic uses has been associated with higher rates of infection. This implies that the spread of H. pylori is more common in areas that are economically disadvantage to the extent of lacking poor sanitary services.
This is exacerbated by the costs. The treatment for H. pylori is extremely expensive, ranging from an average of Sh6,000 to Sh14,000 for a course of medication. Throw in the consultation fees and the tests and a single visit will cost anything from Sh15,000 to 25,000.
Symptoms
Although most people with H. Pylori can go for years without spotting symptoms, there are various symptoms that will be consistent with this infection once it becomes manifest. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “you may have redness and swelling (inflammation) in your stomach lining. This is called gastritis. You may also get sores or peptic ulcers in your stomach or the first part of your small intestine (known as the duodenum).”
Johns Hopkins Medicine explains that ulcer symptoms may include belly or abdominal pain. “This can be a dull pain that doesn’t go away; happens 2 to 3 hours after you eat; comes and go for several days or weeks; happens in the middle of the night when your stomach is empty; goes away when you eat or take medicines that reduce your stomach acid level (antacids); causes anemia because of bleeding,” states Johns Hopkins Medicine. Other symptoms of an ulcer may include losing weight, not feeling hungry, swelling or bloating, burping, having an upset stomach or nausea, and vomiting.
At the same time, Johns Hopkins Medicine states that if you are infected with the bacteria, you can get a painful sore called a peptic ulcer. These sores will usually form in your upper digestive tract.
“A very bad ulcer can wear away your stomach lining. It can also cause problems, such as bleeding when a blood vessel is worn away, a hole or perforation in your stomach wall, blockage when the ulcer is in a spot that blocks food from leaving your stomach,” states Johns Hopkins while cautioning that H. pylori can also lead to stomach cancer.
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The high prevalence of H. pylori in Kenya has further raised concerns about the impact on public health, particularly given the association between this infection and conditions like gastritis, peptic ulcers, and even gastric cancer. Effective public health strategies are crucial to address this issue, including:
Promoting hygiene practices by;
i). Encouraging regular handwashing with soap and the use of clean water to reduce transmission.
ii). Providing access to clean and safe water sources.
iii). Developing and implementing effective treatment strategies; and ensuring access to appropriate and effective treatment for H. pylori infection to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.
iv). Raising awareness through public education campaigns on the importance of preventing infection and seeking timely treatment for associated symptoms.
