FG to Screen 10 million Nigerians for hypertension, diabetes

Blood pressure check up of a patient.

The Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum has announced the inauguration of “Project 10Million”.

The project is a nationwide health campaign designed to raise awareness and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases, particularly hypertension and diabetes.

Chairman of the NHCF and Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Ekiti State, Dr Oyebanji Filani, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Filani said that the campaign, with the theme “Know Your Number, Control Your Number” was aimed at screening 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes between 28 October and 3 November. He said that hypertension and diabetes had become significant health challenges in Nigeria, contributing to 27 per cent of all annual deaths.

He said that the probability of dying from these diseases between the ages of 30 and 70 was 17 per cent, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.

The commissioner said that the initiative had been endorsed by the Nigeria Governors Forum, and led by Health Commissioners from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory

According to him, the aim is to provide equitable access to healthcare, particularly in underserved communities.

He stressed the importance of this synchronised sub-national effort, describing it as a crucial step in addressing the rising burden of NCDs in the country.

“Citizens can visit public health service providers or outreach sites for free screenings, immediate counselling, and referrals to treatment facilities for ongoing care.

“With the growing impact of hypertension and diabetes, it is essential that we take decisive action to tackle these silent killers.

“Project 10Million represents a major effort to improve health outcomes for millions of Nigerians,” he said.

Filani said that the campaign aligned with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and reflected the Sector-Wide Approach compact signed with President Bola Tinubu.

He said that governors’ spouses and other stakeholders would also support the campaign, helping to raise public awareness and encouraging Nigerians to prioritise their health.

“The campaign will not only screen individuals, but will also work towards improving data collection on NCD prevalence.

“It will result to the creation of hypertension and diabetes registers across states, which will help shape future health policies and planning,” he said.

He outlined the project’s objectives, which include screening 10 million Nigerians during the campaign week, and providing counselling and referrals for individuals with sub-optimal results.

According to him, other objectives are linking newly detected cases to treatment, and raising public awareness about these life-threatening conditions.

“This initiative goes beyond just screening.

“It is about establishing a sustainable framework for the ongoing management of these diseases. Our goal is to detect, treat, and ultimately reduce the health burden on Nigerians,” he said.

He said that as the campaign unfolded, it would be expected to pave the way for more extensive health interventions in the future, positioning Nigeria as a country committed to improving the well-being of its citizens.

NAN