‘Over 8 Million Lagosians Living High Blood Pressure’
.LASG launches free screening to tackle hypertension, diabetes
Ayodeji Ake
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, yesterday, revealed that over 8,670,000 residents have high blood pressure with hypertension prevalence rate of 30 per cent, while 70 per cent are unaware.
Abayomi, who explained this during a media chat said that a significant portion of the city’s 30 million residents’ population are living with hypertension, diabetes, and obesity—yet many remain unaware of their dire situations.
“With a hypertension prevalence rate of 30 per cent, a staggering 8.67 million people in Lagos are affected by high blood pressure. Even more concerning, 70 per cent of those living with hypertension, which amounts to over six million individuals, are completely unaware of their condition. Hypertension is a leading cause of heart disease, strokes, and kidney failure, making this lack of awareness particularly dangerous,” he said.
In a groundbreaking public health effort, the Lagos State Government has launched a state-wide free screening for hypertension and diabetes for residents, an initiative under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum nationwide ‘10 Million Project’ campaign aimed at addressing the silent killers of hypertension and diabetes.
The campaign tagged: “Know Your Numbers, Control Your Numbers” is set to run from Monday October 28 to Sunday November 3, 2024 and will provide free screenings for blood pressure and blood sugar across all local government areas in the state, with a goal of screening 800,000 Lagosians within the one-week window, as part of the Lagos quota of the 10 million Nigeria project.
Abayomi introduced the public to what he termed the “silent killers”: diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. He elaborated on how these conditions often progress without symptoms, quietly causing damage to organs like the heart, eyes, and kidneys.
“While diabetes, obesity, and hypertension may appear benign initially, they silently wreak havoc on the body, sometimes with deadly consequences,” he noted.
The health commissioner described the early symptoms of diabetes, which include constant thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and slow-healing wounds.
He explained that hypertension, often asymptomatic in its early stages, may manifest later with headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, or even chest pain. The Commissioner warned that the “silent killers” can strike unexpectedly, leading to severe health issues if left undiagnosed.
To support accessible healthcare, Abayomi said the Lagos State Government through its social health insurance scheme – Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme, allows subscribers to access year-round check-ups for hypertension and diabetes on the standard premium package.
“We want to remove barriers to regular check-ups,” Abayomi affirmed, adding that this service aims to reduce long-term health complications through early diagnosis and lifestyle modification.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, expressed concern about the tendency for individuals to overlook free health services due to a lack of awareness.
“We are seeing that free resources alone may not be enough. We need people to take ownership of their health, make regular check-ups a habit, and use available resources,” Ogunyemi said.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, shared his personal story on the importance of regular screenings.
He spoke on the impact of daily stress, especially in high-pressure professions like journalism, and urged members of the press to prioritise their health.
“The campaign is more than a health check,” he remarked, “It’s a call to every Lagosian to take proactive steps in managing their health.”
