Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Lagos State government has launched a week-long free health screening exercise to tackle the rising prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among its residents.
According to Professor Akin Abayomi, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, a staggering 30% of the state’s residents suffer from hypertension, with 70% unaware of their condition.
This translates to approximately 8.67 million people living with high blood pressure, and over 6 million of them are unaware of their condition.
The free screening exercise, tagged “Know Your Numbers, Control Your Numbers,” aims to provide health screenings for 800,000 residents across the state.
The campaign is part of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum’s “10 Million Project” and will run from October 28 to November 3.
Professor Abayomi emphasized that the campaign seeks to make health screening accessible to every resident in Lagos State, encouraging proactive health-seeking behaviors.
“This campaign represents a powerful effort in the fight against hypertension and diabetes, which often go undiagnosed until severe complications arise,” he stated, underscoring the commitment to proactive health-seeking behaviours among residents,” he said.
Obesity is a significant contributor to hypertension and diabetes, affecting 3.48 million Lagosians, or 12% of the population.
The rise in sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary habits has exacerbated the situation. Diabetes has a 6% prevalence rate, translating to 1.73 million residents, with 50% unaware of their status.
The free screening will take place at 300 primary health centers and 30 general hospitals across the state.
Residents can visit these facilities to get screened for blood pressure, blood sugar, and BMI calculations, enabling them to better understand and manage their health.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso shared his personal experience on the importance of regular screenings, particularly for individuals in high-pressure professions.
He urged Lagos residents to prioritize their health, emphasizing that the campaign is more than just a health check.
The Information Commissioner added, “We strongly recommend that you take advantage of the opportunity to get a free health check-up at our public health facilities within the weeklong free health screening exercise next week.”
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