FCT Screens 250,000 in 200 Communities for BP, Hypertension Under Project 10-Million

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat has commenced the screening of 250,000 residents in 200 communities in the six Area Council under the Project 10-million embarked upon by the 36 states commissioners of health and the FCT.

The programme was flagged-off yesterday by the Mandate Secretary of the Secretariat Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe.
Fasawe said Operation Know Your Number’ is simply for one to know his BP status and blood sugar level.
She decried increase of non-communicable deceases globally, adding that studies have shown that North Central Nigeria has the highest prevalence of diabetics and hypertension.

She equally underscored the need to escalate the information so that those at hard-to-reach locations will make themselves available for the screening when they get there.
The mandate secretary said the screening is live saving and free in all the 300 locations in the 200 communities.
Fasawe also raised alarm about younger people getting affected more and more by hypertension, which is rendering itself as a silent killer.

“A study in Nigeria shows that 40 percent of people in the register didn’t even know that they had BP. Diabetes also is on the increase, but note that non communicable disease does not mean non inheritable.
“Therefore, this programme is to encourage regular checks and knowing the risk factors. Today, the diseases in question are no more older age diseases,” she said.
She charged Nigerians and Abuja residents to take the opportunity and come out for the screening.

Fasewe also cautioned FCT residents to know their family history so as to guard against any of these non-communicable diseases.

Her words: “We don’t only screen or test, we teach life style to prevent and encourage sustainability.

“Civil servants, please take advantage of this opportunity, the staff clinic has been well equipped to carry out this responsibility. Encourage all other workers, your drivers, cleaners, security men to come and benefit from this dividend of democracy.”

“Healthcare delivery in the FCT has significantly improved under Barrister Nyesom Wike, as shown by positive reports from screened civil servants from the flag off exercise today.”

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Health Services and Environment, Dr. Babagana Adam who was represented by the DG, Hospital Management Board, Dr. Olugbenga Bello confirmed that they were ready to screen 250,000 residents in 200 communities.

He appealed to FCT residents to come out and take advantage of the programme.