Janet Ogundepo
The Lagos State Government has extended the ongoing free hypertension and diabetes screening campaign, tagged “Know Your Numbers, Control Your Numbers,” by two weeks.
The campaign, which began on October 28 and was slated to end on November 3, 2024, will now run until Sunday, November 17th, 2024.
This extension was announced by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, who urged Lagos residents to take advantage of the added timeframe to undergo the critical health screenings.
PUNCH Healthwise reports that the “Project 10 Million-Know Your Numbers, Control Your Numbers” led by the Commissioners of Health in all 36 states, was to ensure 10 million Nigerian adults checked and know their blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol.
In a statement sent to PUNCH Healthwise and signed by the Director of Public Affairs of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Abayomi stated that the campaign would continue to provide screening services at the over 330 designated sites including 30 General Hospitals and 300 Primary Health Centres across the state.
The commissioner emphasised the importance of health screenings in combating the “silent killer” diseases of hypertension and diabetes, which contribute significantly to the disease burden in Nigeria.
“By extending this campaign, we are encouraging more residents to come forward and ‘know their numbers’ so they can take proactive steps in controlling their blood pressure and blood sugar levels,” he said.
Abayomi noted that early detection and management of these conditions were vital to reducing the risk of serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
He explained that the “Know Your Numbers, Control Your Numbers” campaign is part of the national ‘10 Million Project,’ an initiative by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum implemented through the Commissioners for Health Forum, aimed at screening 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes.
“Launched on 28th October 2024, the campaign has already screened thousands of residents across Lagos State and Nigeria. The initiative underscores the Lagos State Government’s commitment to prioritising the health of its residents and preventing chronic diseases through early diagnosis and effective health management.”
The don further noted that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, and members of the Lagos State Executive Council, were among the first to undergo screenings as part of the campaign’s launch activities.
“At a special screening event held during an Executive Council meeting, blood pressure and blood sugar screenings were conducted by Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health for members of the State Executive Council.
“Additionally, the screening exercise extended to notable figures such as the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and House of Representatives members, Honourable Babajimi Benson and Honourable Fuad Laguda. This widespread participation from the state’s top officials has underscored the importance of regular health checks in curbing the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes”, the Commissioner said.
He noted that the screenings would continue daily from 9am at the designated sites, which were strategically located to ensure easy access for all residents, regardless of location, to ensure public participation and reach.
Abayomi further stressed that hypertension and diabetes were leading causes of disability and death globally and emphasised the Ministry of Health’s commitment to creating a healthier Lagos through proactive initiatives.
“We are working tirelessly to prevent avoidable hospitalizations and save lives. Knowing one’s blood pressure and blood sugar levels is the first step in managing these silent killers,” he explained.
Also, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, urged residents to leverage the extension and visit designated screening centres, noting that the campaign offered opportunity for residents to assess their health status free of cost.
“Hypertension and diabetes may not show early symptoms, which is why routine checks are essential for everyone, especially for those aged 40 and above or with a family history of these conditions,” she noted.
Ogunyemi further advised residents to adopt healthier lifestyles by incorporating regular exercise, balanced diets, and stress management into their daily routines.
“Taking charge of your health is a commitment to a better future,” she added.
Ogunyemi thanked healthcare professionals and partners involved in the campaign for their dedication to improving the health of Lagosians.
She also called on community leaders, religious organisations, and local influencers to help raise awareness and encourage participation in the extended screening exercise.
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