Yemisi Izuora
Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, has said that from October 28 to November 3, 2024, the State will host the much-anticipated “Save a Life” initiative, spearheaded by the State’s Commissioner for Health in collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
This initiative aims to screen 10 million Nigerians for critical health conditions, particularly hypertension and diabetes.
The Commissioner disclosed that the screenings will be conducted at various locations, including the State Secretariat, the premises of the State General Secretariat (SGS), all the 21 Local Government Area Secretariats and the 239 Wards across Kogi State.
Speaking on the importance of early detection in managing hypertension and diabetes, he said that they will provide free testing and screening of hypertension and diabetes across the State adding that early detection is key to ensuring a longer and healthier life.”
The Commissioner highlighted the pressing need for such a national health campaign, noting that many Nigerians remain unaware of their health status. “Unfortunately, many are dying today because they do not know they have these conditions. Hypertension and diabetes are silent killers,” he said. “Our initiative aims to reduce the increasing rate of sudden deaths in our country.”
Given the alarming statistics surrounding diabetes and its impact on public health, the “Save a Life” campaign is crucial. “This is not just a campaign; it is a movement aimed at saving lives and creating healthier communities,” Dr. Adams added.
He disclosed that the initiative is part of a broader national effort to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for 29 per cent of all deaths in Nigeria. The “Save a Life” initiative aligns with the national health campaign designed to screen individuals for these chronic conditions, raise awareness, promote preventive measures, and encourage healthier lifestyle choices among residents.
Supported by the NGF, the Federal Ministry of Health, and powered by the Nigeria Health Commissioners’ Forum, this initiative reflects the commitment of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s Administration to improve the health outcomes of the people of Kogi State
While urging the good people of the state to avail themselves of the opportunity to get screened, the commissioner stated that by participating in this initiative, Kogi State is taking steps towards creating healthier communities, promoting well-being, and saving lives.
The Healthcare Initiative launched by the Health Commissioners’ Forum and supported by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Federal Ministry of Health, is aimed at early diagnosis and counselling as well as management of ailments that leads to sudden death.
Alarmed by the high rate of sudden deaths in Nigeria today, the Commissioners of Health of the 36 States of the Federation came together to float an initiative that will help screen a minimum of 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes, two of the major ailments leading to sudden deaths.