Lagos State government has launched a statewide free screening initiative for hypertension and diabetes.
The move is to activate the national ’10 Million Project’ campaign against Hypertension, Diabetes and Obesity, an initiative of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum in collaboration with the Nigerian Health Commissioner’s Forum aimed at increasing advocacy about the diseases.
The campaign tagged, “Know Your Numbers, Control Your Numbers,” will run from Monday, October 28, to Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi said the initiative represents a step forward in combating hypertension and diabetes conditions that often go undetected until severe complications arise.
Abayomi explained that approximately 8.67 million residents in Lagos are grappling with high blood pressure, prompting efforts to combat the rising incidences of hypertension and diabetes.
He said that significant segment of Lagos’s 30 million population is living with hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, many of unaware of their conditions, stressing for consistent checks at least every three months.
“With a hypertension prevalence rate of 30%, around 8.67 million Lagosians are affected by high blood pressure. Alarmingly, 70% of those with hypertension, over 6 million individuals, are completely unaware of their condition. This lack of awareness poses serious health risks, as hypertension is a leading cause of heart disease, strokes, and kidney failure.
“The diabetes prevalence rate is of 6%, affecting 1.73 million residents, with 50% unaware of their condition, while undiagnosed diabetes can lead to severe complications, including blindness and cardiovascular diseases.
“While these conditions may seem mild initially, they can cause extensive damage to organs like the heart, eyes, and kidneys if left unchecked,” he warned, encouraging residents to actively participate in the campaign,” he said.
The Commissioner noted that Lagos State Government aims to screen 800,000 residents during the week-long campaign, providing free blood pressure and blood sugar tests at local health facilities across all local government areas.
He said, “To enjoy this opportunity, Lagosians are expected to visit any of the state’s 300 primary health centres and 30 general hospitals for screenings, which will also include consultations and BMI calculations, free of charge.
“We strongly urge you to take advantage of the free health check-ups available next week. Beyond this, it’s crucial to make knowing and controlling your health numbers a habit. Collaborate with your healthcare providers to maintain a healthy lifestyle, focusing on lifestyle changes before considering medication.”
He outlined the early symptoms of diabetes, constant thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and slow-healing wounds, while noting that hypertension may show no symptoms in its early stages but could later present with headaches, dizziness, or chest pain.
The Commissioner also added that the state government is working to enhance healthcare accessibility, for the residents through the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme, which allow subscribers to access year-round check-ups for hypertension and diabetes.
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