25th October, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Lagos State Government has revealed that approximately 8.67 million residents are grappling with high blood pressure, prompting efforts to combat the rising incidences of hypertension and diabetes.
At a press conference on Friday to launch a statewide free screening initiative for hypertension and diabetes, part of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum’s national ’10 Million Project’ aimed at tackling these silent killers, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi provided alarming statistics, noting that a significant segment of Lagos’s 30 million population is living with hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, many of whom remain unaware of their conditions.
The campaign, titled “Know Your Numbers, Control Your Numbers,” will run from Monday, October 28, to Sunday, November 3, 2024.
“With a hypertension prevalence rate of 30%, around 8.67 million Lagosians are affected by high blood pressure. Alarmingly, 70% of those with hypertension, over 6 million individuals, are completely unaware of their condition. This lack of awareness poses serious health risks, as hypertension is a leading cause of heart disease, strokes, and kidney failure,” he stated.
In a proactive public health move, the Lagos State Government aims to screen 800,000 residents during the week-long campaign, providing free blood pressure and blood sugar tests at local health facilities across all local government areas.
Abayomi underscored the campaign’s importance, stating, “This initiative represents a significant step forward in combating hypertension and diabetes, conditions that often go undetected until severe complications arise.”
He introduced the public to the “silent killers” of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, emphasizing their often asymptomatic nature, which can lead to critical health issues.
“While these conditions may seem benign initially, they can cause extensive damage to organs like the heart, eyes, and kidneys if left unchecked,” he warned, encouraging residents to actively participate in the campaign.
Abayomi detailed that obesity affects 3.48 million Lagosians, or 12% of the population, exacerbated by sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits.
He highlighted the diabetes prevalence rate of 6%, affecting 1.73 million residents, with 50% unaware of their condition.
Undiagnosed diabetes can lead to severe complications, including blindness and cardiovascular diseases.
He outlined the early symptoms of diabetes—constant thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and slow-healing wounds—while noting that hypertension may show no symptoms in its early stages but could later present with headaches, dizziness, or chest pain.
To enhance healthcare accessibility, the Lagos State Government, through the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme, allows subscribers to access year-round check-ups for hypertension and diabetes.
“Our goal is to eliminate barriers to regular health checks,” Prof. Abayomi affirmed.
He reiterated the significance of the “Know Your Numbers” campaign, encouraging residents to monitor their blood pressure, weight, and blood sugar levels.
During the campaign week, Lagosians are invited to visit any of the state’s 300 primary health centres and 30 general hospitals for screenings, which will also include consultations and BMI calculations.
Abayomi identified risk factors for hypertension and diabetes, such as obesity, inactivity, poor diet, age, and stress, advocating for a healthier lifestyle through balanced diets, regular exercise, weight maintenance, and stress management.
“We strongly urge you to take advantage of the free health check-ups available next week. Beyond this, it’s crucial to make knowing and controlling your health numbers a habit. Collaborate with your healthcare providers to maintain a healthy lifestyle, focusing on lifestyle changes before considering medication,” he advised.
He expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat for their dedication to this initiative.
Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, highlighted the importance of awareness in utilizing free health services.
She shared insights from the recent Alaafia Eko outreach, where health services were provided to 24,000 Lagosians, stressing the need for individuals to take ownership of their health.
In a compelling account, Ogunyemi recounted cases of individuals who collapsed due to untreated hypertension, reinforcing the need for regular health monitoring. She urged Lagosians to know their numbers and work towards keeping them within healthy ranges.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, shared his personal experience with regular health screenings, emphasizing the impact of stress in high-pressure professions like journalism.
He called on the media to prioritize their health and play an active role in promoting the campaign.
Omotoso encouraged journalists to amplify the campaign’s message, underscoring the collective responsibility to combat the silent epidemic of hypertension and diabetes through widespread awareness.
