Nigeria Launches Project 10M To Combat Hypertension, Diabetes

The Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum (NHCF) has launched ‘Project 10Million,’ a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly hypertension and diabetes.

The initiative seeks to screen 10 million Nigerians between October 28 and November 3, 2024.

Chairman of NHCF and Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Ekiti State, Dr. Oyebanji Filani announced the campaign in a statement made available to Science Nigeria over the weekend. He emphasised that hypertension and diabetes have become major health challenges in the country, contributing to 27 per cent of all annual deaths.

Filani noted that the likelihood of dying from these diseases between the ages of 30 and 70 stands at 17 per cent, highlighting the urgent need for interventions like ‘Project 10Million.’ “This campaign, themed “Know Your Number, Control Your Number,” is designed to empower Nigerians by providing free screenings, counselling and referrals for ongoing treatment,” he explained.

Endorsed by the Nigeria Governors Forum and led by health commissioners from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the initiative aims to provide equitable access to care, especially in underserved communities. “Citizens can visit public health service providers or designated outreach sites for screenings and immediate referrals,” Filani said.

He described the campaign as a synchronised, nationwide effort crucial to addressing the rising burden of NCDs. “With the growing impact of hypertension and diabetes, it’s essential we take decisive action. ‘Project 10Million’ represents a significant step towards improving health outcomes for millions of Nigerians,” he added.

Filani highlighted that the campaign aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and reflects the sector-wide approach (SWAp) compact signed with President Bola Tinubu. This underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services across the country. He further noted that governors’ spouses and other stakeholders would support the campaign, raising public awareness and encouraging Nigerians to prioritise their health.

The campaign goes beyond just screenings. Filani explained that it also focuses on improving data collection on NCD prevalence and creating registers for hypertension and diabetes across states. “This data will be instrumental in shaping future health policies and planning,” he said.

The project’s objectives include screening 10 million Nigerians during the campaign week, offering counselling and referrals for those with high-risk results and linking newly detected cases to treatment. Filani stressed that the initiative aims to establish a sustainable framework for ongoing disease management. “Our goal is not just detection, but to treat and ultimately reduce the health burden on Nigerians,” he stated.

As the campaign unfolds, it is expected to lay the foundation for more comprehensive health interventions in the future, positioning Nigeria as a nation committed to improving the well-being of its citizens.