• targets 350,000 Ogun Residents
The Ogun State government has announced plans to screen 350,000 residents across its 20 Local Government Areas, aiming to combat rising fatalities linked to hypertension and diabetes.
This effort falls under the initiative known as “Project 10 Million – Know Your Number, Control Your Number,” which was jointly established by health commissioners nationwide and has received the endorsement of the Nigeria Governors Forum.
Speaking at a recent press briefing in Abeokuta, Dr. Tomi Coker, the state’s Commissioner for Health, emphasized the need for urgent action to curb the growing threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes.
“Non-communicable diseases, particularly hypertension and diabetes, contribute to approximately 27% of all annual deaths in Nigeria,” Dr. Coker highlighted.
“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.”
Scheduled to run from October 28 to November 3, 2024, the initiative will provide screening facilities across a range of accessible locations, including churches, mosques, parks, markets, and healthcare centers in all 236 wards of Ogun State.
Dr. Coker noted that underserved communities would be a particular focus, ensuring equitable access to these vital health checks.
In addition to screenings, the commissioner disclosed that residents presenting high-risk results would receive immediate counseling and be connected to treatment facilities for ongoing care.
“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,” she added.
The campaign, which aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the Sector-Wide Approach compact signed by state governors and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, also aims to boost public awareness about NCDs, enhance data collection for health policies, and establish registers for hypertension and diabetes cases both within Ogun State and nationwide.
Dr. Coker encouraged residents aged 18 and above to take part by visiting any participating healthcare or outreach center during the campaign week.
She stressed that the initiative would significantly contribute to preventive care, potentially saving countless lives across the state.
