Oyo to screen 347,304 residents for hypertension, diabetes

The Oyo State Government has announced plans to screen 347,304 residents as part of the ‘Project 10 Million: Know Your Numbers, Control Your Numbers,’ an initiative aimed at detecting and controlling hypertension and diabetes across the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, made this known during the unveiling of the project at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan on Thursday, in the presence of members of the State Executive Council.

According to Ajetunmobi, the project is a nationwide screening exercise that targets 10 million Nigerians across the 36 states and the FCT. The screening is scheduled to take place over a seven-day period in October 2024.

“The goal of Project 10 Million is to promote early detection, prevention, and control of cardiometabolic diseases by encouraging individuals to know their vital health metrics,” Ajetunmobi said.

She emphasized the importance of early detection, stating, “Knowing your numbers empowers you to make informed decisions about your health, and controlling them can prevent complications arising from ignorance or neglect.”

The screening will include tests for blood pressure and blood sugar levels to detect hypertension and diabetes, alongside other measurements to assess heart and metabolic health.

Ajetunmobi assured residents that the screening process is safe, using standard point-of-care testing, and will be conducted by trained healthcare workers who will visit communities and set up temporary screening stations at designated locations across the state.

The Commissioner further noted that the project, initiated by the Nigerian Health Commissioner’s Forum, is being carried out in partnership with professional bodies, development agencies, and donors. She added that the screening is open to everyone aged 18 and above and is completely free of charge.

“Participants will receive their test results and counseling on the spot. Those with abnormal results will receive immediate first contact care or be referred to nearby government-owned health facilities for further evaluation, treatment, and follow-up,” Ajetunmobi added.

The Commissioner urged the public to take advantage of the screening, emphasizing that early detection is key to managing hypertension and diabetes effectively.