LAGOS LAUNCHES WEEK-LONG FREE SCREENING EXERCISE TO TACKLE HYPERTENSION, DIABETES

… Targets 800,000 Residents In ‘Know Your Numbers’ Campaign Against Silent Killers

In a groundbreaking public health effort, the Lagos State Government has launched a state-wide free screening for hypertension and diabetes for residents, an initiative under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum nationwide ‘10 Million Project’ campaign aimed at addressing the silent killers of hypertension and diabetes.

The campaign tagged: “Know Your Numbers, Control Your Numbers” is set to run from Monday, October 28 to Sunday, November 3, 2024, and will provide free screenings for blood pressure and blood sugar across all local government areas in the state, to screen 800,000 Lagosians within the one-week window, as part of the Lagos quota of the 10M Nigeria project.
At a media briefing held today at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic in Alausa-Ikeja, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, highlighted the campaign’s objective to make health screening accessible to every resident in Lagos State, underscoring the commitment to proactive health-seeking behaviours among residents.

Prof. Abayomi introduced the public to what he termed the “silent killers”: diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. He elaborated on how these conditions often progress without symptoms, quietly causing damage to organs like the heart, eyes, and kidneys. He emphasised the importance of regular health checks and encouraged residents to participate actively in the campaign to “know their numbers.”

During his presentation, he explained that a significant portion of the city’s 30 million residents population are living with hypertension, diabetes, and obesity – yet many remain unaware of their dire situations.

“With a hypertension prevalence rate of 30%, a staggering 8.67 million people in Lagos are affected by high blood pressure. Even more concerning, 70% of those living with hypertension, which amounts to over 6 million individuals, are completely unaware of their condition. Hypertension is a leading cause of heart disease, strokes, and kidney failure, making this lack of awareness particularly dangerous”, he said.

The Commissioner added that obesity, a known contributor to both hypertension and diabetes, affects 3.48 million Lagosians, or 12% of the population, stressing that the rise in sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary habits is exacerbating the situation, with obesity acting as a gateway to other life-threatening illnesses.

Describing the early symptoms of diabetes, which include constant thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and slow-healing wounds, he explained that Hypertension, often asymptomatic in its early stages, may manifest later with headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, or even chest pain, warning that the “silent killers” can strike unexpectedly, leading to severe health issues if left undiagnosed.

To support accessible healthcare, Prof. Abayomi said the Lagos State Government, through its social health insurance scheme – Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme, allows subscribers to access year-round check-ups for hypertension and diabetes on the standard premium package, adding that this service aims to reduce long-term health complications through early diagnosis and lifestyle modification.

He noted that the Project 10 Million; “Know Your Numbers” campaign, currently being promoted across Lagos is expected to have significant public health benefits, considering Lagos’s high prevalence rates of these conditions.

The Commissioner also identified specific risk factors contributing to hypertension and diabetes including obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet, age, and stress. He recommended a healthy lifestyle including eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, healthy weight maintenance, smoking cessation, and stress management as ways to defeat the silent killers.

Prof. Abayomi expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, chaired by AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Dr. Banji Filani, Chairman of the Nigerian Health Commissioners’ Forum, for their support.

He also commended the unwavering dedication of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat in implementing this initiative.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi expressed concern about the tendency for individuals to overlook free health services due to a lack of awareness.

She pointed out that during the recently concluded Alaafia Eko outreach, where health services were provided to 24,000 Lagosians, many people failed to follow up on their health care. 

“We are seeing that free resources alone may not be enough. We need people to take ownership of their health, make regular check-ups a habit, and use available resources,” Dr. Ogunyemi said.

She also highlighted the importance of family health and urged parents to avoid introducing children to high-sugar foods that can lead to childhood obesity and other health issues later in life, calling attention to the rising cases of childhood diabetes linked to poor dietary habits.

In a vivid anecdote shared by Dr. Ogunyemi, she recounted stories of individuals who collapsed unexpectedly due to untreated hypertension, emphasising the need for consistent health monitoring. She also urged Lagosians to not only know their numbers but also actively work towards keeping them within healthy ranges through lifestyle adjustments.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, shared his personal story on the importance of regular screenings. He spoke on the impact of daily stress, especially in high-pressure professions like journalism, and urged members of the press to prioritize their health. “The campaign is more than a health check, it’s a call to every Lagosian to take proactive steps in managing their health”, he said.

Omotoso further encouraged journalists to amplify the campaign’s message to the public, saying “We look forward to your diligent reporting of this initiative, which could save countless lives. By ensuring widespread awareness, we are collectively taking a stand against the silent epidemic of hypertension and diabetes. This to reinforce the importance of public engagement in health initiatives”.

 As Lagos State gears up for this statewide screening, citizens are urged to seize the opportunity to “Know Your Numbers and Control Your Numbers,” as early diagnosis and management can significantly reduce the risks associated with these life-threatening conditions.