In a bold effort to tackle the rising cases of hypertension and diabetes, the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum (NHCF) has launched Project “10 Million: Know Your Number, Control Your Number”, a nationwide health awareness campaign aimed at screening 10 million Nigerians for the life-threatening conditions.
The campaign, which runs from October 28 to November 3, 2024, is designed to raise public awareness and provide critical screenings for hypertension and diabetes, two non-communicable diseases (NCDs) responsible for about 27% of annual deaths in Nigeria.
Alarmingly, the likelihood of dying from these conditions between the ages of 30 and 70 is estimated at 17%, prompting an urgent need for intervention.
Led by health commissioners from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and endorsed by the Nigeria Governors Forum, ‘Project 10 Million’ will target underserved communities and ensure that vulnerable populations have access to screenings and essential care.
Citizens are encouraged to visit any public health service provider or outreach site during the campaign week to check their numbers.
In a statement, the Chairman of the Nigerian Health Commissioners’ Forum and Ekiti State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, emphasized that this initiative aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, championed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
He said the idea also reflects the commitment made under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) compact signed with President Bola Tinubu, aiming to improve health outcomes for all citizens.
Dr Filani maintained that Governors’ spouses and other key stakeholders will lend their voices to the campaign, amplifying efforts to reduce the burden of NCDs in the country.
The Commissioner highlighted objectives of the ‘Project 10 Million’ to include screening 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes, providing immediate counselling and referrals for those with abnormal results, linking newly detected cases to treatment facilities, and raising public awareness about the risks associated with the diseases, improving data collection on NCDs to better inform health policies and planning.
Dr Filani added that the coordinated effort marks a critical milestone in Nigeria’s fight against NCDs, laying the foundation for future interventions aimed at reducing the impact of hypertension and diabetes across the nation, directing anyone who needed further information to contact Prof. Ehimaro Igumbor on 09035913807.
