Global medical experts are converging on Lusaka, Zambia, to address the widespread impact of Helicobacter pylori across the African continent. The second African Helicobacter Pylori and Microbiota International Scientific Conference is scheduled for November 27 to 28, 2026, at the Grand Palace Hotel. According to AllAfrica, the gathering seeks to establish a battle plan specifically designed for African healthcare realities, moving away from international guidelines that often fail to account for local socioeconomic constraints. The bacteria is identified as a primary driver of chronic pain, ulcers, and gastric cancer, yet diagnostic infrastructure and funding remain limited across many regions.
The conference will feature keynote addresses from prominent international figures. Prof. Emeritus Colm O'Morain of Trinity College Dublin and Tallaght University Hospital in Ireland will speak on the future opportunities and challenges of H. pylori research over the next four decades. Prof. Yoshio Yamaoka, a specialist in gastro-cancer pathogens, will discuss collaborative research progress in Africa, while Prof. Marcis Leja will present on gastric cancer prevention initiatives currently underway in Europe. These sessions aim to bridge the gap between global medical advancements and local implementation needs.
The African Helicobacter & Microbiota Study Group (AHMSG) organized the event. Established in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2022, the group was founded by Prof. Stella Smith, Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research. The coalition originally included members from Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Senegal, and Tanzania. It has since expanded to include Zambia, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The group’s primary objective is to create tailored guidelines for diagnosing, preventing, and treating H. pylori infections to reduce associated stomach conditions.
Richen Medical Sciences, a Chinese medical technology company, provided major sponsorship for the group’s establishment and the upcoming conference. Dr. Attilio Citrino, the Global Marketing R & D Director, stated that medical innovation holds value only when it reaches patients. The company aims to strengthen relationships with African medical institutions and support early diagnosis through advanced non-invasive technologies. Richen specializes in diagnostic solutions, including the Carbon-13 Urea Breath Test, and has a longstanding partnership with the European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group. The conference will also include panel discussions, award presentations, and the AHMSG presidential handover ceremony.