LAGOS LAUNCHES WEEK-LONG FREE SCREENING EXERCISE TO TACKLE HYPERTENSION, DIABETES
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A state-wide free screening program for hypertension and diabetes has been introduced by the Lagos State Government as part of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum’s nationwide “10 Million Project” campaign, which aims to address the silent killers of these conditions. This is a ground-breaking public health initiative.
The campaign tagged: “Know Your Numbers, Control Your Numbers” is set to run from Monday, October 28 to Sunday, November 3, 2024, and will provide free screenings for blood pressure and blood sugar across all local government areas in the state, to screen 800,000
Lagosians within the one-week window, as part of the Lagos quota of the 10M Nigeria project.
The State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, emphasized the campaign’s goal of making health screening available to all Lagos State residents at a media briefing today at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic in Alausa-Ikeja. He also emphasized the state’s dedication to encouraging proactive health-seeking behaviors among its citizens.
Prof. Abayomi introduced the public to what he termed the “silent killers”: diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. He elaborated on how these conditions often progress without symptoms, quietly causing damage to organs like the heart, eyes, and kidneys. He emphasised
the importance of regular health checks and encouraged residents to participate actively in the campaign to “know their numbers.”
During his presentation, he explained that a significant portion of the city’s 30 million residents population are living with hypertension, diabetes, and obesity – yet many remain unaware of their dire situations.
“With a hypertension prevalence rate of 30%, a staggering 8.67 million people in Lagos are affected by high blood pressure. Even more concerning, 70% of those living with hypertension, which amounts to over 6 million individuals, are completely unaware of their
condition. Hypertension is a leading cause of heart disease, strokes, and kidney failure, making this lack of awareness particularly dangerous”, he said.
The Commissioner went on to say that 3.48 million Lagosians, or 12% of the population, suffer from obesity, a condition that is known to contribute to both hypertension and diabetes. The Commissioner emphasized that the situation is being made worse by the rise in sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits, as obesity serves as a gateway to other serious illnesses.
He explained that hypertension, which is frequently asymptomatic in its early stages, can later manifest with headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, or even chest pain. He also described the early symptoms of diabetes, which include constant thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and slow-healing wounds. He cautioned that the “silent killers” can strike without warning and cause serious health problems if left undiagnosed.
According to Prof. Abayomi, the Lagos State Government supports accessible healthcare by offering year-round checkups for diabetes and hypertension to members of its Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme, a social health insurance program.
The program’s goal is to prevent long-term health complications by promoting lifestyle changes and early diagnosis. Given the high incidence of these disorders in Lagos, he pointed out that the “Know Your Numbers” program, which is presently being promoted throughout the city, is anticipated to have a major positive impact on public health.
The Commissioner also recognized several risk factors, such as age, stress, poor diet, obesity, and physical inactivity, that contribute to diabetes and hypertension. In order to combat the silent killers, he suggested leading a healthy lifestyle that included stress management, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise.
Prof. Abayomi expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, chaired by AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Dr. Banji Filani, Chairman of the Nigerian Health Commissioners’ Forum, for their support. He also commended the unwavering dedication of Governor Babajide
Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat in implementing this initiative.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi expressed concern about the tendency for individuals to overlook free health services due to a lack of awareness. She pointed out that during the recently concluded Alaafia
Eko outreach, where health services were provided to 24,000 Lagosians, many people failed to follow up on their health care.
“Wea re seeing that free resources alone may not be enough. We need people to take ownership of their health, make regular check-ups a habit, and use available resources,” Dr. Ogunyemi said.
She also called attention to the growing number of childhood diabetes cases associated with unhealthy eating habits, emphasized the value of family health, and advised parents to refrain from exposing their kids to high-sugar meals that might cause juvenile obesity and other health problems later in life.
Dr. Ogunyemi highlighted the importance of regular health monitoring by sharing a dramatic narrative of people who unexpectedly collapsed as a result of untreated hypertension. She also exhorted Lagos residents to actively strive toward maintaining their levels within healthy ranges by making lifestyle changes, in addition to being aware of them.
Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, had earlier in his speech discussed the value of routine screenings by sharing a personal experience. He discussed the effects of everyday stress, particularly in demanding occupations like journalism, and exhorted press professionals to put their health first. “The campaign is more than a health check, it’s a call to every Lagosian to take proactive steps in managing their health” , he stated. Omotoso.
Omotoso further encouraged journalists to amplify the campaign’s message to the public, saying “We look forward to your diligent reporting of this initiative, which could save countless lives. By ensuring widespread awareness, we are collectively taking a stand against
the silent epidemic of hypertension and diabetes. This to reinforce the importance of public engagement in health initiatives”.
As Lagos State prepares for this nationwide screening, residents are encouraged to take advantage of the chance to “Know Your Numbers and Control Your Numbers,” as early detection and treatment can greatly lower the risks of these potentially fatal illnesses.
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