The Lagos State Government has launched a state-wide screening and public enlightenment campaign on hypertension and diabetes. The health campaign, titled “Know Your Numbers and Control Your Numbers,” will take place from Oct. 28 to Nov. 2 at 300 primary healthcare centres and 30 general hospitals across the state.
The campaign aims to raise awareness and provide free screening for hypertension and diabetes, two major non-communicable diseases. Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, announced the initiative, emphasizing the importance of understanding and managing these conditions.
The campaign, a joint effort by the Nigerian Governors Forum and Nigeria’s Health Commissioners forum, seeks to measure the blood pressure and sugar levels of 10 million Nigerians nationwide. Lagos has been tasked with screening 800,000 individuals to improve awareness and encourage healthy lifestyles.
Residents are urged to get tested, embrace moderation in sugar, salt, and alcohol consumption, and avoid smoking. The campaign also emphasizes the importance of following up on medical treatment and subscribing to the state health insurance – Ilera Eko – for affordable diagnosis and treatment.