Ogun state government launches free non-communicable diseases screening

The Ogun State Government is to launch free hypertension and diabetes screening tagged, Project 10 Million – Know Your Number, Control Your Number in Ogun State’, which aimed to address at combating the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)

Penpushing reports that the Commissioner for Health Dr Tommy Coker made this known at a press conference held in her office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, explaining that its endorsed by the Nigeria Governors Forum and supported by Health Commissioners from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),

The Commissioner disclosed that the exercise will take place from October 28 to November 3, 2024, stressing that during this period, over 500 screening centres across the wards in all the local government have been provided.

Penpushing further reports that Coker added that about 350,000 residents are to benefit, adding that the exercise is going to be continuous, and that treatment will be affordable to all patients, and they will be equally linked to treatment facilities

‘This initiative is part of a national health promotion and awareness campaign spearheaded by the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum (NHCF), aimed at combating the increasing prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), particularly hypertension and diabetes, across our nation’ she added.

Penpushing also reports that Coker stated that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes are significant health challenges in Nigeria that contribute to approximately 27% of all annual deaths.

The Commissioner emphasized that the risk of dying from these conditions between the ages of 30 and 70 is estimated at 17% adding that this highlights the urgent need for comprehensive intervention.

‘Project 10 Million, which is endorsed by the Nigeria Governors Forum and supported by Health Commissioners from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will take place from October 28 to November 3, 2024’.

‘During this period, we aim to screen 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes, with a special focus on reaching underserved communities to ensure that vulnerable populations have equitable access to essential care’.

‘In Ogun State, we are proud to extend this initiative to all 236 wards across our 20 Local Government Areas. Screening will be accessible at all primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities as well in churches, mosques, parks, markets throughout the state’, Coker assured.

‘Our goal is to ensure that every resident has the opportunity to know their numbers, take control of their health, and avert preventable non-communicable diseases, specifically diabetes and hypertension’, she stated.

‘This campaign is not only about screening; it is about saving lives through preventative care. Our objectives for Project 10 Million in Ogun State are clear: Screen a significant number of our residents for hypertension and diabetes during the campaign week.

‘Provide immediate counselling and referrals for individuals with sub-optimal results. Link newly detected cases to treatment facilities for ongoing care.  Increase public awareness about the risks and management of hypertension and diabetes. Enhance data collection on the prevalence of NCDs to inform health policies and planning. Support the creation of hypertension and diabetes registers in our state and across Nigeria as a whole’.

‘This initiative aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) compact signed by the governors with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’.

‘It reflects our shared commitment to improving health outcomes for all Nigerians. In Ogun State, this campaign will complement our ongoing efforts to safeguard the lives of our residents through preventative care’.

‘By working together, we can ensure a healthier future for our communities. I urge all citizens age 18 and above  to take advantage of this opportunity by visiting our facilities or outreach site during the campaign period to get screened. Together, we can make a difference’, Coker stressed.

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