By Haruna Usman, Birnin Kebbi
First Lady of Kebbi State, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Idris has Flagged off free testing exercise on diabetes and hypertension for women, men and the less privileged across the 21 local government areas of the state while agitating for proper registration.
Hajiya Zainab who flagged off the exercise at Gwadangwaji Primary Healthcare Center, Birnin Kebbi, explained that, the exercise tagged “Project 10 million”, nationwide, with the Theme: “Know Your Number, Control Your Number”, was designed to create awareness about diabetes and hypertension in the State.
She explained that the theme of the campaign, encapsulates the essence of their mission, and stressed that by knowing one’s health metrics, “we empower ourselves to take control of our health and well-being”.
The First Lady, represented by the Acting Head of Service, Hajiya Aisha Usman, said that the screening of 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes during the campaign week, would enable people to detect the disease early for effective management.
According to her, “By screening such a vast number of our citizens, we aim to identify those at risk and provide timely interventions, provide immediate counselling and referrals for individuals with sub-optimal results. We shall ensure individuals understand their health status and the necessary steps to improve it.”
While commending all stakeholders, partners and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to bring this Project 10 Million to life.
The first lady emphasized on increase public awareness and sought for the support of creation of hypertension and diabetes registers across local government areas, which she said will improve tracking and managing these conditions.
Speaking earlier, the state Commissioner for Health, Comrade Sama’ila, represented by the secretary ministry of health Dr Nuhu Koko explain that the national health campaign aimed at screening 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes is timely. He therefore reiterated the commitment of the state government under the leadership of Dr Nasir Idris to improving the health sector.
The emir of Gwandu Alhaji Muhammad Iliyasu Bashar, represented by the district head of Diggi commended the first lady for organizing free testing on hypertension and diabetes he therefore assured the emirates support to mobilized more people for the free testing.