The Delta state government has said over 300, 000 people will be screened for the most common non-communicable diseases, hypertension and diabetes in the state.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, who stated this in Asana at the official flag off of ‘Project 10 million Delta Campaign’ said “the project would involve all of us—civil servants, healthcare workers, community leaders, volunteers, and citizens alike,” saying the screening service is readily accessible to everyone aged 18 years and above.
Dr. Emu said the campaign is a transformative health initiative mandated by the Federal Ministry of Health and driven by the Commissioners for Health Forum with the theme “Know your numbers; control your numbers.”
According to him, “This campaign reflects a national commitment to combating hypertension and diabetes, two of the most common non-communicable diseases we face in Nigeria today.
“Delta state, through the leadership of the Ministry of Health, has been mandated to screen a target of 300,000 individuals for Hypertension and Diabetes between October 28 and November 3, 2024.
“This goal not only speaks to the urgency of the issue but also our resolve to increase awareness, improve care, and gather essential data for long-term planning and intervention.
“Screening sites will be established in various locations across the state, including health facilities, markets, correctional facilities, religious centers, higher institutions, and even here within the SSG Complex. This expansive approach ensures that every community is reached, and that no one is left behind in our mission to foster a healthier Delta State.
“We have called on each of our health facilities to support this effort by designating screening points and mobilizing personnel to make screening services readily accessible to everyone aged 18 years and above.”
State coordinator, non-communicable diseases, Ministry of Health, Dr. Opened Rita advised people to desist from eating fatty food with high cholesterol, while recommending 30 minutes exercise or 10,000 steps per day.
Dr. Opene said that there are no known causes of non communicable disease, but there are risk factors.