In a bold move to safeguard the health of its citizens, the Kaduna State Government is rolling out Project 10 Million.
This life-changing initiative seeks to screen 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes—two silent killers that often go unnoticed. The project will cover all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), aiming to complete the screenings within just seven days in October 2024.
At the heart of Project 10 Million is a simple yet powerful idea: early detection saves lives. With the slogan “Know Your Number, Control Your Number,” the initiative encourages people to take charge of their health. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as hypertension and diabetes, are on the rise, but with the right knowledge and action, many lives can be saved.
During a recent stakeholders’ meeting, the State Commissioner for Health, Umma Ahmad stressed the urgent need to address these growing health threats. “Non-communicable diseases cause 74% of deaths worldwide. In Nigeria, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are major contributors to this alarming statistic. Our goal is to do more than just detect these conditions—we want to make sure every person diagnosed gets the help they need,” she said.
Kaduna State alone has set an ambitious target to screen 450,000 of its residents. While this is a huge undertaking, the commissioner emphasized that it is not a task for the Ministry of Health alone. She called for a united effort, bringing together government officials, community leaders, NGOs, and healthcare providers to make this project a success.
In her address, Umma Ahmad also expressed deep appreciation for Governor Uba Sani’s unwavering support. “The governor’s commitment to the health and well-being of Kaduna’s people is clear. With his backing and the collaboration of everyone involved, I am confident we will not only meet our goals but create lasting change,” she said.
The meeting saw an impressive turnout of key players, including health agency directors, representatives from other government ministries, civil society organizations (CSOs), NGOs, and traditional and religious leaders. Their participation highlights the importance of working together as a community to tackle the serious issue of non-communicable diseases.
As Kaduna prepares to embark on this monumental health screening effort, the message is simple: the health of the community is a shared responsibility. By coming together for Project 10 Million, Kaduna has the chance to turn the tide against these preventable diseases, creating a healthier future for everyone.
