Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, announced an ambitious initiative aimed at improving the health of residents through free screenings for hypertension and diabetes. The government has set a target of screening 200,000 individuals as part of the ongoing campaign, which is linked to the Federal Government’s ‘Project 10 Million – Know Your Number, Control Your Number’ initiative. From October 28 to November 3, 2024, the state will operate 161 screening centers specifically designed to facilitate this initiative. Represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye during the campaign’s launch in Ado Ekiti, Oyebanji emphasized the importance of addressing the health risks associated with these non-communicable diseases, which pose a significant threat to public health.
Governor Oyebanji raised concerns about the alarming statistics related to hypertension and diabetes, underscoring that there is a startling 70% probability of mortality from these conditions among individuals aged between 30 and 70 in Nigeria. He noted that despite the high risk, many people remain unaware of their health status concerning these diseases, turning them into silent but dangerous threats. The campaign aims to educate and inform the public, encouraging them to understand their health numbers and advocating for control over these conditions through knowledge and awareness.
The initiative also aligns with Ekiti State’s broader goal of enhancing primary healthcare services and working towards Universal Health Coverage for its citizens. Governor Oyebanji pointed out the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases attributed to lifestyle changes and other factors, which contribute significantly to mortality rates in the state. Notably, he highlighted that NCDs account for around 27% of all deaths in Nigeria, prompting the need for urgent intervention to combat such escalating health issues.
In tandem with the screening program, the Ekiti State government has introduced the ‘Ilera Wa’ initiative, which expands access to essential health services. This includes free ante-natal care, free delivery and post-delivery care for pregnant women, and free immunization services for children. These measures aim to reduce health disparities and ensure access to crucial health services for the vulnerable populations in the state. The initiative’s comprehensive approach reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the overall well-being of its citizens while specifically targeting high-risk health conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
The state Health Commissioner, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, echoed the governor’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address the increasing cases of hypertension and diabetes in Ekiti State. He emphasized that the screening is crucial to assess the extent of these health issues and to implement effective control measures. The government aims to broaden the reach of the campaign, ensuring it is accessible to as many residents as possible, including partnering with traditional rulers, educational institutions, markets, and faith-based organizations to eliminate barriers to access.
By conducting these screenings in community-centered locations and expanding the campaign’s outreach, the Ekiti State government hopes to empower its residents with knowledge about their health. Through this strategic initiative, the government aims not only to increase awareness surrounding the risks of hypertension and diabetes but also to promote healthier lifestyles. Overall, this initiative represents a significant step towards improving public health in the state, addressing the urgent need for preventive healthcare, and fostering an environment that encourages citizens to take charge of their health.
