350,000 residents of Ogun State will benefit from the free screening for diabetes and hypertension as part of the Project 10 Million awareness campaign, an initiative of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum.
This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, at a press conference on the launch of the programme in the state tagged ” Project 10 Million—Know Your Number, Control Your Number in Ogun State” over the weekend.
Coker explained that the initiative aimed at combating the prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension across the country.
The Commissioner noted that hypertension and diabetes are significant health challenges that contribute to approximately 27 per cent of all annual deaths.
She added that people between the ages of 30 and 70, estimated at 17 per cent, are at risk of dying of health challenges.
Coker said the exercise will hold from October 28 to November 3, 2024, with a special focus on underserved communities across the 234 wards in the state, to ensure that the vulnerable population has access to essential care.
“Project 10 Million, which is endorsed by the Nigeria Governors Forum and supported by Health Commissioners from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will take place from October 28 to November 3, 2024.
“During this period, we aim to screen 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes, with a special focus on reaching underserved communities to ensure that vulnerable populations have equitable access to essential care.
“In Ogun State, we are proud to extend this initiative to all 236 wards across our 20 local government areas. Screening will be accessible at all primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities as well as in churches, mosques, parks, and markets throughout the state.
“Our goal is to ensure that every resident has the opportunity to know their numbers, take control of their health, and avert preventable non-communicable diseases, specifically diabetes and hypertension,” she said.
Coker stressed that the campaign is not only about screening but saving lives through preventative care.
“The objectives for Project 10 Million in Ogun State include screening a significant number of residents for hypertension and diabetes during the campaign week.
“We will equally provide immediate counselling and referrals for individuals with sub-optimal results and link
newly detected cases to treatment facilities for ongoing care.
“The Project 10 Million will increase public awareness about the risks and management of hypertension and diabetes and enhance data collection on the prevalence of NCDs to inform health policies and planning.
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