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 two silent killers.
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, with a goal of screening 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. “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 behaviors 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. “While diabetes, obesity, and hypertension may appear benign initially, they silently wreak havoc on the body, sometimes with deadly consequences,” he noted. Prof. Abayomi emphasized the importance of regular health checks and encouraged residents to participate actively in the campaign to “know their numbers.”
During his presentation, Prof. Abayomi 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.
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. “We want to remove barriers to regular check-ups,” Prof. Abayomi affirmed, adding that this service aims to reduce long-term health complications through early diagnosis and lifestyle modification.
He urged the people, “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. Beyond this, make it a habit to know and control your numbers—work closely with your doctors to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Start by focusing on lifestyle changes before considering medication, and remember: moderation is key. Live well, enjoy life, but always with balance.”d.
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.
Dr. Ogunyemi 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. “Hypertension and diabetes can be hereditary, and even children are susceptible. We encourage parents to take their children for regular check-ups as well,” she said, 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, emphasizing the need for consistent health monitoring. She urged Lagosians not to 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,” he remarked, “It’s a call to every Lagosian to take proactive steps in managing their health.”
