Ekiti to Screen 200,000 Residents for Hypertension and Diabetes

Ekiti to Screen 200,000 Residents for Hypertension and Diabetes

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji announced on Monday that the state aims to provide free screenings for hypertension and diabetes to 200,000 residents.

The initiative, part of the Federal Government’s “Project 10 Million – Know Your Number, Control Your Number” campaign, will take place from October 28 to November 3, 2024, at 161 designated screening centers across the state.

Represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye during the campaign’s launch in Ado Ekiti, Oyebanji highlighted the alarming statistic that there is a 70% risk of dying from these conditions between the ages of 30 and 70 in Nigeria. He emphasized that many people are unaware of their health status, allowing these silent threats to persist.

“We aim to screen approximately 200,000 adults aged 18 and older throughout this week-long campaign,” he said. “This effort combines the ‘Project 10 Million’ initiative with a state-level approach to boost demand for primary healthcare services, essential for achieving Universal Health Coverage.”

The governor expressed concern over the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria, noting that they account for 27% of deaths nationwide.

Through the ‘Ilera Wa’ initiative, the state government has also expanded access to free ante-natal care, delivery, post-delivery care, and immunization services for all pregnant women.

Health Commissioner Dr. Oyebanji Filani stated, “This free screening initiative aims to address the alarming rise of hypertension and diabetes in Ekiti and across the country. Our goal is to reach as many people as possible to identify and manage these health issues.”

The program will also be extended to traditional rulers’ palaces, schools, marketplaces, and faith-based institutions to ensure widespread access for residents.