Ministry of Health and Maseno University Equip Final-Year Medical Students to Integrate NCD Care into Primary Healthcare
Maseno University, working with the Ministry of Health, is hosting a two-day symposium for final-year medical students on “Integrating and Managing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) into Primary Healthcare” at Kisumu Campus on 9th and 10th November 2026. It brings together medical students and healthcare professionals to strengthen knowledge and practical approaches to the prevention, diagnosis and management of NCDs in primary healthcare settings.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Health through the Division of Cancer and Non-Communicable Diseases. The Ministry was represented by Justin Muthee, who led its opening session on the epidemiology of NCDs and the policy and strategy advancements shaping care in Kenya. The Kenya Diabetes Management and Information Centre (DMI) was represented by Elvira Riungu.
Dr. Omoto, Associate Dean, School of Medicine, Kisumu Campus, welcomed the participants and stressed the importance of preparing students for the evolving demands of healthcare practice. Prof. Benjamin Ombok, Director, Kisumu Campus, officially opened the symposium.
The Ministry sets the direction for NCD prevention and control through the Kenya Health Policy 2014–2030 and the National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs 2021/22–2025/26, with a third plan now in development. It also guides frontline providers through protocols for selected NCDs at primary care level and the 2024 National Guidelines for the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases.
The need is clear. The World Health Organization reports that NCDs caused at least 43 million deaths in 2021, about 75% of non-pandemic deaths globally, including 18 million people who died before age 70. In Kenya, the Ministry of Health estimates that NCDs account for about 41% of all deaths, with diabetes and hypertension of particular concern. Early detection, appropriate management and continuity of care at the primary healthcare level are essential.
The programme covers hypertension on Day 1 and diabetes on Day 2, through expert presentations, interactive sessions on managing NCDs in primary healthcare, and discussions on the policy frameworks that support the integration of NCD services. The activity is supported by DMI through the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) Project, WDF 21-1830.
Through this engagement, Maseno University gives its medical students opportunities to gain competencies that respond to emerging public health priorities, helping to equip future practitioners to strengthen primary healthcare in Kenya.
