The Lagos State Government has for the second time expanded its free hypertension and diabetes screening campaign, which will now conclude on November 24.
The initiative, called: “Know Your Numbers, Check Your Numbers,” began on October 28 and is aimed at 800,000 residents across the state.
The campaign is part of the national “10 Million Project”, an initiative of the Nigerian Governors Forum implemented through the Health Commissioners Forum, which aims to screen 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes.
The state Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, a professor, announced the extension, urging residents to take the opportunity to prioritize their health and get tested at any of the designated centres.
Abayomi said more than 330 designated screening sites, including 30 general hospitals and 300 primary health centers (PHCs), will continue to offer these services every day from 9 am.
Recently, the commissioner revealed that 30 percent of the state's residents suffer from hypertension and 70 percent are unaware of their condition. He added that diabetes has a prevalence rate of six percent, which translates to 1.73 million residents, of which 50 percent are unaware of their status.
Need for extension
The health commissioner emphasized the importance of early detection and management of hypertension and diabetes to reduce complications such as heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.
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“We have seen an overwhelming response from the public and it is clear that expanding the campaign further will allow even more Lagosians to benefit from this life-saving initiative.
“Hypertension and diabetes are silent killers, and knowing the health numbers is a crucial step in managing these conditions effectively,” he said.
Abayomi also urged residents, especially those aged 40 years and above or with a family history of hypertension or diabetes, to take advantage of the extended period.
“This initiative is free and accessible to everyone. We encourage Lagosians to visit the designated centres, get tested and take proactive measures for their health,” he said.
He called on religious organisations, community leaders and social influencers to raise awareness about the campaign.
“These leaders play a vital role in encouraging people to take advantage of this opportunity. “Together, we can make a significant impact in preventing avoidable complications and saving lives,” he said.
He further commended the participation of key government officials, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, who led by example by undergoing screening, underlining the importance of the campaign and the need for all residents to follow their example.
Risk factors
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified several risk factors for hypertension and diabetes.
Both hypertension and diabetes share common risk factors, such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and overweight or obesity.
The WHO recommends lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, losing weight, being physically active and quitting tobacco. He added that regular health checkups and examinations are also crucial for early detection and treatment.