By Hussein J-Isah
The Ogun State government has embarked on screening of 350,000 residents across its 20 Local Government Areas, with a view to checking the high incidence of hypertension and diabetes related deaths.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, said this is in line with ‘Project 10 Million – Know Your Number, Control Your Number,’ powered by health commissioners from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and was endorsed by the Nigeria Governors Forum. It is set to run from October 28 to November 3, 2024.
Dr. Coker, who made this announcement during a press conference in Abeokuta at the weekend, said the initiative is the country’s response to the urgent need for action to curb the growing prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among Nigerians.
Coker emphasized that screening facilities will be made available in places like churches, mosques, parks, markets, and healthcare centers in all 236 wards in the state, noting that special attention would be given to reaching underserved communities.
She stated that: “Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly hypertension and diabetes, contribute to approximately 27% of all annual deaths in Nigeria. The risk of dying from these conditions between the ages of 30 and 70 stands at 17%. This underscores the necessity of a comprehensive intervention.”
The commissioner added that, apart from screenings, the initiative will include immediate counseling and referrals for individuals with high-risk results, linking them to treatment facilities for continued care.
She stressed the fact that the campaign also aims to enhance public awareness around NCDs, increase data collection to inform health policies, and support the creation of hypertension and diabetes registers in Ogun State and across Nigeria.
“Our goal is to ensure that every resident has the opportunity to know their numbers, take control of their health, and prevent these non-communicable diseases.
“This initiative aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the Sector-Wide Approach compact signed by state governors and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It represents a national commitment to improving health outcomes across Nigeria,” Dr. Coker explained.
The commissioner appealed to residents especially those from 18 years and above to participate by visiting any healthcare facility or outreach location during the campaign, noting that the week-long campaign would be an avenue to bring about preventive care by saving lives through pro-active measures.
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