By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat on Wednesday began a health “project 10 million”, to screen 250,000 residents in 200 communities on hypertension and diabetes.
The Project 10 million was initiated by the 36 states commissioners of health and the FCT.
The FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat on Wednesday kck started the screening of residents to reach 250 thousand residents to cover 200 communities across the six area councils.
The Mandate Secretary of the Secretariat Dr. Adedolapo Fasewe who flagged off the project in the FCT, said that non-communicable diseases are on the increase globally, with studies showing that North Central Nigeria has the highest prevalence of diabetics and hypertension.
Fasewe said, ‘Operation Know Your Number’ is simply to know your BP status and blood sugar level. ”
According to her, there is a need to create awareness and sensitization in communities for people to get the right information, especially in hard- to- reach locations for them to access the available free screening services.
Fasewe announced that the screening is free in all the 300 locations in the 200 communities.
The screening is free, painless, and life-saving, she said.
However, she alerted that there is a prevalence of the diseases among young people.
She said, “Younger people are getting affected increasingly by hypertension rendering itself as silent killers. ”
“A study in Nigeria shows that 40 percent of people in the register didn’t even know that they had BP. Diabetes also is on the increase, but note that non-communicable disease does not mean non-inheritable disease.”
” Therefore, this programme is to encourage regular checks and knowing the risk factors. Today, the diseases in question are no older age diseases.”
She called on Nigerians and Abuja residents to take the opportunity and come out for the screening.
Fasewe enjoined FCT residents to know their family history to guard against any of these non-communicable diseases. “We don’t only screen or test, we teach lifestyle to prevent and encourage sustainability.”
“Civil servants, please take advantage of this opportunity, the staff clinic has been well-equipped to carry out this responsibility. Encourage all other workers, your drivers, cleaners, security men to come and benefit from this dividend of democracy.”
“Healthcare delivery in the FCT has significantly improved under Barrister Nyesom Wike, as shown by positive reports from screened civil servants from the flag off exercise today.”
“Working under Barrister Wike’s leadership encourages an active lifestyle, which helps reduce risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases,” she stated.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Health Services and Environment, Dr. Babagana Adam who was represented by the DG, Hospital Management Board, Dr. Olugbenga Bello confirmed that they were ready for 250 thousand residents in 200 communities.
He pleaded with FCT residents to take advantage of the programme by coming out for the screening.
