Healthy Stomach Initiative

Professor Dr. Peter Malfertheiner is a world-renowned gastroenterologist with over 30 years of experience in digestive diseases, including Helicobacter pylori infection, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer. He has authored more than 1,100 peer reviewed scientific publications & more than 50 books. He serves in leadership, advisory, and editorial roles across multiple major international gastroenterology and digestive disease organizations, advancing research, clinical practice, and education in stomach health. Dr. Malfertheiner is co-founder of the European Helicobacter Microbiota Study Group (EHMSG) and has held key positions in the European Association for Gastroenterology, Endoscopy & Nutrition (EAGEN), United European Gastroenterology (UEG), and numerous editorial boards, contributing to international guidelines, education programs, and global research collaborations. He was the driving force behind the creation of the Healthy Stomach Initiative (H.S.I.). His vision and leadership were instrumental in establishing H.S.I. as a formal, registered non-profit society in Germany, providing a global platform for gastroenterology experts to collaborate on research, education, and promote public awareness.

Professor Dr. Francis Megraud is a leading authority on gastric microbiology, particularly Helicobacter pylori, and has contributed significantly to understanding antibiotic resistance and treatment strategies. He has led international research collaborations, published extensively in high-impact journals, and contributed to WHO and European guidelines for gastric disease management. His scientific rigor and global perspective continue to influence H.S.I.’s research and educational activities.

Professor Francesco Di Mario is a leading gastroenterologist, full professor at the University of Parma, Italy, and former head of the Gastroenterology Unit at Ca’ Foncello Hospital, Treviso. He has authored hundreds of publications and is recognized for his work in digestive endoscopy, Helicobacter pylori, and gastroenterology education. Professor Di Mario directs the School of Specialization in Gastroenterology at Parma and has held visiting professorships internationally, mentoring generations of GI specialists and leading global collaborations. His dedication to knowledge sharing and global collaboration was instrumental in shaping the vision of H.S.I. as a worldwide platform for GI experts and public awareness initiatives.

Professor Dr. Richard Hunt is an internationally recognized gastroenterologist and Professor Emeritus at McMaster University, Canada. He has authored over 350 publications, contributed to more than 10 books, and held leadership roles in the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology, Canadian Helicobacter Study Group, and the World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO). He has served on editorial boards of major journals and continues to mentor gastroenterologists worldwide. His commitment to collaborative initiatives and public awareness has been central to H.S.I.’s development as a global forum for stomach health.