Not less than 350,000 residents of Ogun state spread across the 20 council areas of the state, will benefit from a free hypertension and diabetes screening planned by the state government tagged “Project 10 Million – Know Your Number, Control Your Number,”
Commissioner for health, Dr. Tomi Coker speaking during press conference in Abeokuta at the weekend, said the initiative is designed to address the rising incidence of deaths from the two health conditions.
Dr. Coker clarified that the project is in line with “Project 10 Million – Know Your Number, Control Your Number,” initiated by health commissioners from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which was endorsed by the Nigeria Governors Forum. It is set to run from October 28 to November 3, 2024.
She revealed that screening facilities will be made available in 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.
“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,” Dr. Coker stated.
The commissioner further disclosed 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 added 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 urged residents aged 18 and above to participate by visiting any healthcare facility or outreach location during the campaign week, noting that the campaign would go a long way in saving lives through preventive care.