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Kwara Flags Off Project Ten Million Health Initiative Aimed At Screening Residents For Silent Killer Ailments
The Project Ten Million health initiative targeted at screening ten million people across the thirty-six States and Federal Capital Territory for hypertension and diabetes has been officially flagged off in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
At the official flag off ceremony, Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq stated that the project which is targeted at about two hundred thousand residents, would promote a healthier society and curb incidences of sudden deaths.
The Governor, who was represented by Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, said hypertension and diabetes which affect millions of people globally, pose a health risk to the society and could have devastating consequences if left unchecked.
Governor Abdulrazaq described the project ten million as a proactive step towards combating the non-communicable diseases through awareness creation and case management.
“In addition to this critical initiative, it is imperative that we also focus our attention to lifestyle changes.
“We need to embrace heathy eating, regular exercise, regular check-up. Prevention is always better than cure. And together we can foster a culture of health and wellness.”
Wife of the Governor, Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrazaq noted that the screening process is simple and fast, and encouraged everyone to take advantage of the programme to know their blood pressure and glucose levels for healthier choices.
Earlier in an address of welcome, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam said that the screening will take place in two hundred and eighteen locations including Primary HealthCare Centres, markets and worship centres across the State.
Dr El-Imam pointed out that the outcome of the project would enable Government make informed decisions about the health needs of the people.
“Hypertension and diabetes are often referred to as silent killers. They affect millions of people worldwide often without any noticeable symptoms until serious complications arise. They are responsible for the majority of the sudden deaths and slumping and dying that we’ve been hearing about where apparently healthy people die inexplicable.
This is why early detection and proactive management are crucial.”
Dr El-Imam explained that the State Government has demonstrated commitment to healthcare of residents through upgrade of health facilities and various medical outreaches targeted at everyone irrespective of their socio-economic status.
In separate goodwill messages, the representative of the World Health Organisation, WHO, Dr Eyitayo Emmanuel and that of UNICEF, Mr Bolaji Adebayo, applauded the government for the initiative and emphasised that it is cheaper to prevent cardiovascular diseases than buying medicines for treatment.
Participants at the event, including the Kwara State Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, were screened for blood pressure and sugar levels.
The Project Ten Million exercise in Kwara State will end on Sunday, November 3rd, 2023.
By Rasheedat Iliyas
