By Augustine Kuza, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Government has launched a free state-wide screening and public enlightenment campaign on hypertension and diabetes mellitus tagged, “Know Your Numbers and Control Your Numbers”.
The state Commissioner of health, Dr. Dogara Gwamna, in a statement issued to journalist in Lafia, the state capital Monday, said the campaign will be conducted in two phases across the state, with the first phase set to begin in Lafia, Akwanga, and Keffi Monday October 28th to Sunday November 3rd, 2024.
Gwamna explained that the initiative aligned with the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum’s national efforts to combat the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly hypertension and diabetes mellitus in the country.
He warned that the non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus pose a serious health challenge, contributing to approximately 27% of annual deaths in Nigeria.
“The likelihood of dying from these conditions between the ages of 30 and 70 is estimated at 17%, highlighting the urgent need for intervention” he explained.
The designated venues for the screening in Lafia include the state Ministry of Health, Federal University Teaching Hospital formerly Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Federal University of Lafia and Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, IMAP.
Other areas according to him are Nasarawa Broadcasting Service, Civil Service Commission, Federal Road Safety Corps, Office of the Head of Service, New Market Primary Healthcare Centre and the Ministry of Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs.
In Keffi and Akwanga, the screening will hold at their respective Local Government Secretariat.
He added that the initiative is targeting both the urban and rural populace, with special emphasis on underserved communities to ensure equitable access to free screening and vaccination services.
“The goals of this campaign are to enhance public awareness, improve data collection, and foster collaboration among various stakeholders to improve overall health outcomes in Nasarawa State.
“By reaching 300,000 residents, the state hopes to make a significant impact in the fight against these silent killers. I would like to urge all and sundry to take advantage of this very unique opportunity and get screened for hypertension, diabetes mellitus as well as for viral hepatitis B and C,” the statement read.