The Lagos State authorities has prolonged the free hypertension and diabetes screening marketing campaign, tagged “Know Your Numbers, Management Your Numbers,” by two weeks.
The marketing campaign will now run till Sunday, November 17, 2024.
This extension was introduced on Wednesday by the Lagos State Commissioner for Well being, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who urged Lagos residents to make the most of the added timeframe to bear the crucial well being screenings, initially scheduled to conclude on third November, the marketing campaign will proceed to offer screening companies at over 330 designated websites together with 30 Normal Hospitals and 300 Main Well being Centres throughout the state.
Talking on the rationale for the extension, Abayomi emphasised the significance of well being screenings in combating the “silent killer” illnesses of hypertension and diabetes, which contribute considerably to the illness burden in Nigeria.
“By extending this marketing campaign, we’re encouraging extra residents to come back ahead and ‘know their numbers’ to allow them to take proactive steps in controlling their blood strain and blood sugar ranges,” he mentioned.
He added that early detection and administration of those situations are very important to lowering the danger of significant problems, together with coronary heart illness, stroke, and kidney failure.
He defined that the “Know Your Numbers, Management Your Numbers” marketing campaign is a part of the nationwide ’10 Million Mission,’ an initiative by the Nigeria Governors’ Discussion board carried out by way of the Commissioners for Well being Discussion board, geared toward screening 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes.
“Launched on twenty eighth October 2024, the marketing campaign has already screened 1000’s of residents throughout Lagos State and Nigeria. The initiative underscores the Lagos State Authorities’s dedication to prioritizing the well being of its residents and stopping persistent illnesses by way of early prognosis and efficient well being administration,” Abayomi mentioned.
He disclosed that distinguished authorities officers, together with the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, and members of the Lagos State Govt Council, have been among the many first to steer by instance, present process screenings as a part of the marketing campaign’s launch actions.
“At a particular screening occasion held throughout an Govt Council assembly, blood strain and blood sugar screenings have been performed by Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, the Particular Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Well being for members of the State Govt Council.
“Moreover, the screening train prolonged to notable figures such because the Chief of Employees to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and Home of Representatives members, Honourable Babajimi Benson and Honourable Fuad Laguda.
“This widespread participation from the state’s prime officers has underscored the significance of standard well being checks in curbing the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes.”
He famous that with the extension, screenings will proceed day by day from 9:00 am. at 30 Normal Hospitals and 300 Main Well being Centres throughout all Native Authorities Areas in Lagos, including that the designated websites are strategically positioned to make sure easy accessibility for all residents, no matter location, in a bid to maximise public participation and attain.
Abayomi burdened that hypertension and diabetes are main causes of incapacity and loss of life globally and emphasised the Ministry of Well being’s dedication to making a more healthy Lagos by way of proactive initiatives.
“We’re working tirelessly to stop avoidable hospitalizations and save lives. Understanding one’s blood strain and blood sugar ranges is step one in managing these silent killers,” he defined.
Talking in the identical vein, the Particular Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Well being, Dr. (Mrs) Kemi Ogunyemi additionally urged residents to leverage the extension and go to designated screening facilities, mentioning that the marketing campaign affords a significant alternative for residents to evaluate their well being standing for gratis.
“Hypertension and diabetes might not present early signs, which is why routine checks are important for everybody, particularly for these aged 40 and above or with a household historical past of those situations,” she famous.
She suggested residents to undertake more healthy existence by incorporating common train, balanced diets, and stress administration into their day by day routines.
“Taking cost of your well being is a dedication to a greater future,” Dr. Ogunyemi added, highlighting that managing blood strain and blood sugar can stop long-term problems.
Ogunyemi prolonged appreciation to all healthcare professionals and companions concerned on this marketing campaign for his or her dedication to enhancing the well being of Lagosians.
She referred to as on neighborhood leaders, spiritual organizations, and native influencers to assist increase consciousness and encourage participation within the prolonged screening train.
