Kaduna state government has announced a free screening programme for 500,000 citizens aimed at detecting Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma K. Ahmed, she revealed that the initiative, tagged “Project 10 Million – Know Your Number, Control Your Number,” will be carried out in two phases across the state’s three senatorial zones.
According to Hajiya Umma, the screening aligns with the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum’s national campaign to combat the growing prevalence of NCDs.
She noted that hypertension and diabetes pose significant health risks, contributing to about 27% of all annual deaths in Nigeria, with approximately 447,800 fatalities each year.
The commissioner explained that the screening would target adults aged 18 and above.
She disclosed that the first phase would take place in Zaria, Sabon Gari, Makarfi, and Soba Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Zone I, while Zone II will cover Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Chikun, and Igabi LGAs. Zone III will include Jema’a, Kachia, Zangon Kataf, and Kaura LGAs.
Designated screening locations include Primary Health Care Centers, General Hospitals, markets, motor parks, higher institutions, and government offices such as the State Secretariat and Government House.
“The campaign will ensure equitable access to free screening and treatment services, particularly for underserved communities,” Hajiya Umma said, adding that immediate counseling and referrals would be provided for individuals with abnormal results.
She emphasised the urgency of addressing NCDs, noting that the likelihood of dying from these conditions between the ages of 30 and 70 is estimated at 17%.
Hajiya Umma further noted that cardiovascular diseases account for the highest number of NCD deaths globally, followed by cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
She highlighted risk factors such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and air pollution.
The initiative also aims to improve data collection on the prevalence of NCDs in Kaduna state, which will help inform health policies and planning.