The Belgian Helicobacter pylori Study Group (BHpSG) distributed informative materials to their members, patients and the press in both French and Dutch about Helicobacter pylori and its importance as a risk factor for non-cardia gastric cancer.

The Pakistan Society of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy hosted a consensus meeting on May 13 & 14, 2006 in Lahore, Pakistan. The aim of this conference was to formulate national guidelines for the management of Helicobacter pylori infection against the background of local dynamics. The one and a half day meeting included lectures followed by committee deliberations on epidemiology, disease pattern, prevention and management in adults as well as in children.

The Emirates Medical Association, in collaboration with the UAE Gastroenterology Society and the General Authority for Health Services for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi extended an invitation to gastroenterologists in their region to join a special CME program which took place on June 3, 2006 and was attended by approximately 300 participants from the region.  Topics included “History of Hp”, Diagnosis of Hp Infection”, “Treatment Modalities” and “Updates and Non-Responders”.

As for past World Digestive Health Days, the Uruguayan Society undertook to officially recognize and support the call from the World Gastroenterology Organisation. In a letter from the President, Dr. Cristina Dacoll and the Secretary General, Dr. Susana Kohen, the colleagues from Uruguay congratulated WGO-OMGE on initiating an activity that will become “stronger each year and will be a live impulse for every society, focus on preserving digestive health, eradicating diseases and improving quality of life”. Together with their sister societies, the SUED (Uruguayan Society of Digestive Endoscopy) and the SUP (Uruguayan Society of Pathology), they organized a special scientific programme on Hp to commemorate the event.