For half a million residents throughout the state, the Kaduna State Government will provide free screening services for non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
The screening will be conducted in two stages in the three senatorial zones and will be titled “Project 10 Million – Know Your Number, Control Your Number,” according to a statement released by the Commissioner of Health, Hajiya Umma K. Ahmed.
The initiative aims to increase awareness about these diseases and promote early detection, ultimately reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases in the state. By providing free screening services, the government hopes to empower residents to take control of their health and make informed decisions regarding their well-being.
The commissioner claims that the free screening is in keeping with the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum’s (NHCF) nationwide campaign to address the country’s growing non-communicable disease (NCD) prevalence, especially diabetes and hypertension.
Hajiya Umma stated that adults who are 18 years of age or older are eligible to receive the free screening. She also mentioned that “NCDs like diabetes and hypertension pose a serious health challenge, contributing to approximately 27% of all annual deaths in Nigeria totaling around 447,800.”
Zaria, Sabon Gari, Makarfi, and Soba local governments in Zone I will complete the first part of the exercise, according to Hajiya Umma, while Zone II will include Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Chikun, and Igabi local governments.
The screening exercise is part of the government’s efforts to address the rising burden of NCDs in Nigeria. Hajiya Umma emphasized the importance of early detection and management of these conditions to prevent complications and reduce mortality rates.
