Kaduna launches ‘Project 10 Million’ to combat hypertension, diabetes

The Kaduna State Ministry of Health has launched “Project 10 Million – Know Your Number, Control Your Number” to address the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension and diabetes.

ASHENEWS reports that aligned with the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum’s (NHCF) nationwide initiative, the project, wholly supported in Kaduna by the State Governor, Uba Sani, aims to reduce the impact of these diseases, contributing to approximately 27% of all annual deaths in Nigeria, totalling around 447,800.

With cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory illnesses, and diabetes accounting for over 80% of premature NCD-related deaths, Project 10 Million seeks to tackle this health crisis. Factors such as tobacco use, poor diet, physical inactivity, and air pollution heighten the risk of developing NCDs.

“The initiative, which Governor Uba Sani has magnanimously approved and supported, will screen 500,000 residents aged 18 and above across all three senatorial zones in Kaduna State for diabetes and hypertension, providing free screening and services.

“His Excellency has also graciously approved and supported the screenings, which will be conducted in two phases and will cover urban and rural areas, emphasizing underserved communities to ensure equal access to healthcare,” the state Commissioner of Health, Umma Ahmed said.

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According to her, with the approval of the Governor, the first phase will target the following local government areas (LGAs): Zone 1: Zaria, Sabon Gari, Makarfi, Soba; Zone 2: Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Chikun, Igabi, and Zone 3: Jema’a, Kachia, Zangon Kataf, Kaura, adding that screening centres will include Primary Health Centers (PHCs), General Hospitals, markets, motor parks, higher institutions, government facilities, and other public spaces within these LGAs.

Objectives of Project 10 Million:

The objectives of Project 10 Million are to screen 500,000 Kaduna residents for hypertension and diabetes, connect newly diagnosed cases with treatment facilities, provide immediate counselling and referrals for abnormal results, and raise public awareness about hypertension and diabetes.

Others are to enhance data collection on NCD prevalence to inform policy-making, ensure equitable healthcare access, focus on underserved communities, foster collaboration across sectors to address NCDs and establish hypertension and diabetes registers in all LGAs.

This campaign marks a significant step toward mitigating NCDs in Nigeria and aims to lay a foundation for future healthcare initiatives, contributing to a healthier future for millions of Nigerians.

Ahmed commended the state governor for his interest in sustaining the health of the citizens and his unwavering support by providing the necessary funds for the ministry to undertake the project.

“I must recognize and express our sincere appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Distinguished Senator Uba Sani for his exemplary leadership and interest in sustaining the health of the Citizens of Kaduna State and his unwavering support by providing the necessary funds and resources to implement the Project 10 Million intervention in Kaduna State a success.”